Let's get two things straight. The hate that spews from the pores of Spartan and Wolverine fans a like is not contained in one week nor can it be contained. If you hail from the Great Lakes State you probably have family that has attended either school and no first hand the revelry that come with this rivalry. You also know that the hate extends past football. It extends to all sports, competitions, meetings, talk shows, or anything you can think of. If you're a Spartan, you hate anything to do with Michigan. If you're a Wolverine you thumb your nose at anything Spartan. Most people don't realize why this rivalry started. It extends farther than sports. Sport is the only way to take out the aggression either side feels for the other. I didn't want to reveal what side of the rivalry I'm on but it only seems fair to let everyone know and to give for warning to any bias you may perceive. I'm a Spartan. Born and raised. Like many of us we get the love of our teams from our fathers. I'm no different, and in fact even I got my love for MSU from my grandfather. My grandfather was a high school football star in the Detroit area in the early 1960's. Stemming from his athletic ability as D-Lineman he received many offers from schools across the country including Iowa, Purdue Nebraska, Miami, Michigan, and Michigan State. During recruiting visits to schools he told me one school in particular he knew right away that he wouldn't consider. That school? The University of Michigan.
On his recruiting visit to Michigan, many coaches asked him why he'd want to go anywhere but Michigan? As in the words of current Michigan head coach Brady Hoke, "This is Michigan for God sakes." My grandfather played high school football from 1960-1963. In that four year span, the Wolverines went 16-18. My grandfather asked why he'd want to join a losing team? He stated over and over the disgust he had for the arrogance that oozed from all over Ann Arbor. Michigan did this and Michigan did that. He told me all they ever talked about was the past things like it was going to contribute to success in the coming months. The arrogance turned him from the Wolverines. He originally committed to the University of Detroit Mercy until a lucky break made him a Spartan. While playing basketball for his high school, (St. Cecilia's) he went up against one of the best players in the state who was being recruited by MSU. My grandfather out shined that player that night and led his team in his points and steals. One of the MSU recruiters in the stands that night reported back to MSU Football Head Coach Duff Daugherty that they needed to look into my grandfather. MSU offered him but he refused until one day upon returning home from school he found Duffy Daugherty sitting in his living room. Duffy swayed him and he committed to MSU. He loved the campus, the coaches; they were down to earth and knew what needed to be done to win. My grandfather wouldn't become more than a practice player as he left the university in 1965 to take care of his mother who had fallen on hard times. MSU remained apart of him even in his brief time. He always reiterated to me Michigan's arrogance. They no respect for MSU and that's where our story starts.
Michigan founded in 1817 became known for it's academic prowess as well as it's football might. Today it's considered one of the preemptive universities in the world. Michigan State founded in 1855 as a Morrill Land Grant University it was originally an Agricultural school. The sports have had ups and downs but recently many have found success especially basketball and football. The university has grown and is now one the Top 100 universities in the world. Two great university in this state but you know when you get to the top you don't want to give it up. Michigan's Machiavellian complex has caused them to bash anything green and white.
"Oh, you went to MSU, is your degree in farming?"
"Moo U"
"Go green, go white. Can't read, can't write."
The arrogance, the disrespect, and the constant bringing up of past performances has only grown MSU hatred towards Michigan. It's the arrogance i believe that irritates Spartans the most. Constantly asked why we wouldn't go to Michigan when Michigan is clearly the best choice. Yes there is no denying that Michigan is the best university in this state or region for that matter. Maybe we don't like it? Take pizza. Little Caesar's was voted the best Detroit style deep dish pizza. Just because it's voted the best doesn't mean I'm going to like it. Maybe the sauce is too creamy or there's too much cheese. I''ll take my business to the pizza place that won second best because maybe to my personal tastes this business offers better pizza. Throw this back to Michigan. They may be the leaders and best but if I don't like the inner workings like the campus or the way things are run or the personality of the students then I'll pick the college that offers me what I want. Maybe that university is MSU. So you see I know Michigan is the best but I don't like the makeup of Michigan.
"You only go to state because you can't get into Michigan." Well maybe I can't but that doesn't mean I'd go their anyway. I have friends who have the ability to get into Michigan and Michigan State but are leaning towards MSU. They don't like the inner workings of Michigan and also realizing that they won't win any scholarships because of the competitiveness of U-M they'll take the money MSU is offering them. Plus the major my friends are trying to pursue may have a better program at MSU than Michigan does! They're planning for their futures. If the best place to succeed is MSU then why turn it down to go to Michigan just because it's "Michigan for God sakes."
There are plenty of Michigan fans who go to MSU. They couldn't get into their own school so they choose the "next best" college. This falls into the disrespect column. Next Best. "That's your opinion." Thanks Brady for another quote. Yes you can call MSU what you want but it's a Top 100 university in the world. There are least 16,000 institutions of higher leaning in the world. Top 100 out of 16,000. Please go on about how a degree at MSU isn't worth anything. Michigan fans more often than not cannot get into Michigan. This brings us to the Wal-Mart Wolverine. You can define that in one of two ways. A.) A Michigan fan that's so clouded by the Michigan of old they fail to realize their team isn't good. They also fail to give MSU any credit or any team credit for that matter. It's all about Michigan and blaming someone else. Or B.) A fan that for not being able to think on their own or lacking the funds to shop anywhere but Wal-Mart for their necessities purchases the college gear sold at Wal-Mart which is predominately Wolverine gear. So yes someone lacking the knowledge to get into Michigan as well as lacking the knowledge to attend a sufficient university therefore lacking the income to shop for gear anywhere but America's finest establishment; Wal-Mart. (Why Wal-Mart sucks in general is a whole other story.) Wal-Mart Wolverines are the worst. Not only do they lack the capabilities to see that 2014 Michigan isn't 1970-1998 Michigan; they also lack the intelligence to give credit where credit is due. Michigan won't be the best team every year. There will be teams that are just flat out better than the Wolverines. Accept the fact, that's all Spartans really want.
Main question I've been asked is why is MSU so determined to beat Michigan? Why do we care so much? Well, why does peanut butter and chocolate taste the best in Reese's form? Why is water wet? Why is snow cold? We just do because the Lord came down and siad there must be in state rivalries in this whole grand scheme of things. It's much deeper than that. It's because of the things stated above. Michigan believes MSU to be no one. We're "little brother." Michigan's pride and joy is football. That's all they talk about. Michigan did this Michigan did that. They did all that back when your grandfather was your age. It has no relevancy today and the constant bringing up of accomplishments from 1910-1943 makes no sense. What have you done for me today? I don't care about your Big Ten title before either World War. Michigan hasn't won a Rose Bowl since 1998. 16 years ago was their last relevant accomplishment. It doesn't matter now when you talk about the current team. It's the overbearing arrogance that annoys the Spartans the most. Michigan's pride and joy is football year in and year out, and if MSU can beat them at their one true love then we're going to do it. Anything to strike at the Wolverine heart for all their arrogance and tradition is something every Spartan wants. Just remember the words of MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, "Pride comes before the fall. It's no over. It's never over, it's just beginning."
Go Green.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
MSU Is Still B1G Favorite
Now that all but two teams have played at least 3 conference games, Contenders, Pretenders, and the No-Shots emerge. Often there is one clear favorite and this case is no different. Flat out, Michigan State should win this conference. They've been the most consistent team week in and week out. Though they are the favorite, the Spartans must compete with a few contenders in the East looking to book a trip to Indianapolis. The West offers a couple as well looking to capture a spot in Lucas Oil Stadium and upset the Spartans.
Contender #1: Ohio State
Perhaps the best offense outside of Michigan State, the Buckeyes have been improving ever since a startling home loss to mediocre Virginia Tech. JT Barrett has provided the spark and left Buckeye fans wondering if Braxton Miller ever played football in Columbus at all. The only down grade to OSU not being the favorite along with MSU? The Buckeye's haven't played anyone good enough. Not much can be garnered from a 56-17 drubbing of Rutgers at home. Rutgers barely beat Michigan and Michigan barely beat Penn State who beat Rutgers. OSU's offense has been doing as it should against weaker competition so not much can be said about this team. The Buckeye's rank 24th in the country in points against. Again, they haven't played anyone capable of scoring. While as impressive as the Buckeye's have been on paper, we won't know much about this team till after their showdown with MSU on November 8th under the lights at Spartan Stadium.
Contender #2: Nebraska
Contender #1: Ohio State
Perhaps the best offense outside of Michigan State, the Buckeyes have been improving ever since a startling home loss to mediocre Virginia Tech. JT Barrett has provided the spark and left Buckeye fans wondering if Braxton Miller ever played football in Columbus at all. The only down grade to OSU not being the favorite along with MSU? The Buckeye's haven't played anyone good enough. Not much can be garnered from a 56-17 drubbing of Rutgers at home. Rutgers barely beat Michigan and Michigan barely beat Penn State who beat Rutgers. OSU's offense has been doing as it should against weaker competition so not much can be said about this team. The Buckeye's rank 24th in the country in points against. Again, they haven't played anyone capable of scoring. While as impressive as the Buckeye's have been on paper, we won't know much about this team till after their showdown with MSU on November 8th under the lights at Spartan Stadium.
Contender #2: Nebraska
Their only conference loss should come at the hands of MSU. The only two remaining tough games are road trips to Wisconsin and Iowa. Nebraska's offense should be able to run on both teams and their defense is strong enough to contain either the Badgers's or Hawkeyes's attacks. If they can contain opposing offenses and avoid slow starts the Cornhuskers are looking at a rematch with MSU in Indy. A neutral site may benefit Nebraska where they can upset MSU. It's hard to beat a team two times in a row and that plays to Nebraska.
Contender #3: Maryland
With a key victory over Iowa and an impressive showing againts upstart West Virginia (they lost 40-37) the Terrapins have emerged in their inaugural season in the Big Ten as a team to be recokoned with. Only problem? Shaky defensive play and a blowout loss at home to the big boys in Ohio State. While Maryland may be able to beat the top second tier teams of the Big Ten they've proven they can't run with the big dogs. Maryland has the offense to over power the Iowas and Northwesterns but won't be able to hang with MSU or Nebraska. They struggled against OSU and the Buckeye D isn't what it use to be. Unless Maryland can find a defensive game and pray OSU loses again, they'll finish 3rd in the east.
Contender #4: Minnesota
Minnesota is in the drivers seat in the West. If it avoids a loss to Nebraska, Minnesota will ply for the B1G title. Minnesota has the QB leadership to do so and the resiliency to prolong games and their season. A trip to Nebraska will determine their fate. The Gophers also play the Buckeyes but they get the Barrett Machine at home. If Minnesota arrives at Nebraska with one loss in conference it must dispatch the Cornhuskers, Minnesota faces a tough slate to get to Indy that;s why they're the #4 contender. If Goldy can hold on they can arrive at Indy with no conferences losses. Avergaing 222 yards on the ground bodes well for the Golden Gophers. If they can ride the rush late in games they can hold off Nebraska, Iowa, and possibly Ohio State.
The road to Indy in the East goes through East Lansing, The road in the West meets at the crossroads between Minneapolis and Lincoln. When the 'Huskers meet the Golden Gophers in Lincoln it could be potentially for the West championship and a trip to play MSU in Indianapolis. Weeks 9-14 will be one wild ride for the Big Ten. Enjoy the show.
Contender #3: Maryland
With a key victory over Iowa and an impressive showing againts upstart West Virginia (they lost 40-37) the Terrapins have emerged in their inaugural season in the Big Ten as a team to be recokoned with. Only problem? Shaky defensive play and a blowout loss at home to the big boys in Ohio State. While Maryland may be able to beat the top second tier teams of the Big Ten they've proven they can't run with the big dogs. Maryland has the offense to over power the Iowas and Northwesterns but won't be able to hang with MSU or Nebraska. They struggled against OSU and the Buckeye D isn't what it use to be. Unless Maryland can find a defensive game and pray OSU loses again, they'll finish 3rd in the east.
Contender #4: Minnesota
Minnesota is in the drivers seat in the West. If it avoids a loss to Nebraska, Minnesota will ply for the B1G title. Minnesota has the QB leadership to do so and the resiliency to prolong games and their season. A trip to Nebraska will determine their fate. The Gophers also play the Buckeyes but they get the Barrett Machine at home. If Minnesota arrives at Nebraska with one loss in conference it must dispatch the Cornhuskers, Minnesota faces a tough slate to get to Indy that;s why they're the #4 contender. If Goldy can hold on they can arrive at Indy with no conferences losses. Avergaing 222 yards on the ground bodes well for the Golden Gophers. If they can ride the rush late in games they can hold off Nebraska, Iowa, and possibly Ohio State.
The road to Indy in the East goes through East Lansing, The road in the West meets at the crossroads between Minneapolis and Lincoln. When the 'Huskers meet the Golden Gophers in Lincoln it could be potentially for the West championship and a trip to play MSU in Indianapolis. Weeks 9-14 will be one wild ride for the Big Ten. Enjoy the show.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Round Up: Week 8
Maryland 38, Iowa 31
The Hawkeyes jumped out early in this one but it was all for naught. the Terrapins proved to be just a little too much for Iowa on the day. Iowa led 14-7 at the end of the 1st on a score from Mark Weisman, a four yard run, and a Jake Rudock 2 yard pass to Henry Krieger Coble. Maryland's Jacquille Veii busted for a 23 yard score and it was Mary;and who carried the game into the half with a lead. Brad Craddock nailed a 41 yard field goal and Wes Brown rushed for a 1 yard score giving the Terrapins a 17-14 advantage at the break. Stefon Diggs increased the scoring on a 53 yard pass play from Perry Hills making it 24-14. Iowa fought back and made it a 3 point game on a 2 yard touchdown rush from Weisman. The 4th quarter saw the Terrapins pull away on William Likely 45 yard pick six and a Wes Brown one yard dash for a touchdown. Down 38-21 Rudock and the Hawkeyes fought back when his four yard pass Jacob Hillyer for a touchdown. The Hawakeyes would add a late Marshall Koehn field goal making it 38-31. The Terrapins hung on for the victory. Maryland (5-2, 2-1) heads out to Madison to take on Wisconsin. Iowa (5-2, 2-1) heads into its second and final bye week before taking on Northwestern at home on November 1st.
Minnesota 39, Purdue 38
This was definitely the game to watch on Saturday. It was all Purdue then it was all Minnesota. Austin Appleby threw a pick 4 seconds into the game setting up the Gophers on the two yard line where David Cobb punched in the ball giving the Gophers a 7-0 lead. Appleby made up for that on ereal quick when he found Danny Anthrop on a screen that went for 55 yards tying the game at 7. Maxx Williams caught a Mitch Leidner pass from 4 yards out giving the Gophers a 14-7 advantage. Leidner was 9-18 with 165 yards passing and 3 total touchdowns on the day. Appleby found Gabe Holmes for a 13 yard TD with 2:37 to go in the first. This one was knotted up at 14 at the end of one. Donnell Kirkwood put the Goldy back on top at the start of the 2nd with a 3 yard TD run. Ryan Santoso's PAT was not converted and the Gophers clung to a 20-14 lead. Raheem Mostert broke off a 42 dash to the endzone throwing the lead back to the Boilermakers and Paul Griggs added a 26 yard chip shot field goal making it 24-20. Appleby again found another receiver; this time an 8 yard pass to DeAngelo Yancey. The Boilermakers lead 31-20 at the half and were in full control thanks to Appleby. Appleby finished 16-26 for 153 yards, 3 TDs through the air, 1 on the ground, and 2 interceptions. Leidner broke the plain at 12:03 of the second half on a 6 yard run making it 31-26 Purdue. Santoso added a 20 yard field goal making 31-29. Appleby cashed in his running TD from a yard out making it 38-29. Leidner at the end of the half, found KJ Maye for 37 yard TD hookup putting the Gophers 2 points away from. Down 38-36 the Gophers regained the lead behind a 52 yard field goal from Santoso. With just under 5 minutes to go, the Gophers hung onto win 39-38. Minnesota (6-1, 3-0) travels to Champagne to take on Illinois. Purdue (3-5, 1-3) heads into a bye week.
#13 Ohio State 56, Rutgers 17
JT Barrett is making Columbus wonder if Braxton Miller should just retire. Barrett went 19-31, 261 yards through the air, 107 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns through the air, and 2 rushing touchdowns. If he could throw to himself, Barrett would've led the Buckeyes in receiving as well. Barrett's first passing TD was a 12 yard strike to Nick Vannett. Ezekiel Elliott pounded into the end zone for a score making it 14-0. Desmond Peoples added a one yard TD run for the Scarlet Knights making it 14-7 OSU at the end of the first. Rutgers wouldn't score again till the third quarter. Vannett caught his second TD this time a 26 yard strike. Eli Apple returned a Rutgers fumble 4 yards to the house and Rod Smith pounded 3 yards into the end zone capping the Buckeyes scoring at 35-7 at the half. Barrett added his rushing TD on a 33 yard scamper and then his second score on a 5 yard dash. Down 49-7 Kyle Federico tacked on a 42 yard field goal for the Scarlet Knights. Evan Spencer made a spectacular one handed grab in the endzone to make it 56-10 in favor of the Buckeyes. Peoples would get his second TD of the day on 12 yard run in the 4th quarter. The Buckeyes steamrolled to a 56-17 victory. Ohio State (5-1, 2-0) heads to Happy Valley to take on Penn State. Rutgers (5-2, 1-2) travels to Nebraska.
#8 Michigan State 56, Indiana 17
Well things were almost ugly for the Spartans but what's a little football without some adversity? The offense picked up right where it left off. At 9:26 of the 1st quarter Jeremy Langford broke the plain on a 32 yard run making 7-0 MSU. At the end of the first Griffin Oakes nailed a 27 yard field goal attempt for the Hoosiers cutting the lead to 7-3. Connor Cook found Josiah Price on a 10 yard pass to the end zone to start the second quarter. Cook went 24-32 with 332 yards passing, with 3 TDs and 1 interception. This is when it got ugly for MSU. The offense stalled a bit and Indiana took advantage. Indiana down 14-3 clawed back on 75 yard burst for a score by Shane Wynn. Not long after freshmen QB Zander Diamont (5-15, 11 yards, 1 rushing TD) punched in a 9 yard rush giving the Hoosiers a 17-14 lead. It didn't last long. Langford recorded his second TD of the day on a 8 yard rush and later in the quarter Cook found Macgarrett Kings Jr. on a 14 yard pass to give the Spartans a 28-17 advantage at the half. Cook would find RJ Shelton on a 4 yard pass to the endzone making it 35-17 and the only score of the 3rd quarter. Langford racked up his third and final rush TD on 4 yard scamper. Delton Williams slipped away for a 22 yard rush TD and Nick Hill would get a 76 yard rush TD as well to cap the scoring at 56-17 MSU. MSU's defense gave up 213 yards rushing but most of the yard came on 3 big run plays; only one of those resulted in a TD. Diamont could only manage 11 yards passing and his Hoosiers continue to struggle after their upset victory over Missouri. Indiana (3-4, 0-3) goes into a bye week. MSU (6-1, 3-0) welcomes in hated in-state rival Michigan.
#19 Nebraska 38, Northwestern 17
The Wildcats in their Gothic Uniforms hit the Nebraska Renaissance in the second half. Nebraska emerged from the dark to dominate Northwestern all over the field and establish that the West will be won by taking out Nebraska. The only score of the first quarter was a 2 yard run by Northwestern's Justin Jackson for a TD. Ameer Abdullah got his first of four rushing touchdowns on a 1 yard push into the endzone to tie the game at 7. Jackson got his second with just under 2 minutes to go in the half on a 5 yard scamper. Nebraska responded on 16 yard De'Mornay Pierson-El pass to QB Tommy Armstrong tying the game at 14 a piece. Jack Mitchell would add a 29 yard field goal with 3 seconds left for the Wildcats giving them a 17-14 lead at the break. Northwestern never held the lead again. At 4:52 of the 3rd, Ameer Abdullah plunged in for a one yard TD. He would then go on to score 2 more 1 yard rush TD's in the 4th quarter putting the Cornhusker's up 35-17. Drew Brown tacked on a 33 yard field goal finalizing the score at 38-17. Nebraska held Northwestern to 290 total yards while racking up 471 yards of their own. A balanced attack and strong second half defense proved to be the dagger Nebraska drove into the Wildcats's hearts. Nebraska (6-1, 2-1) welcomes Rutgers to Lincoln and Northwestern (3-4, 2-2) heads to a bye week.
The Hawkeyes jumped out early in this one but it was all for naught. the Terrapins proved to be just a little too much for Iowa on the day. Iowa led 14-7 at the end of the 1st on a score from Mark Weisman, a four yard run, and a Jake Rudock 2 yard pass to Henry Krieger Coble. Maryland's Jacquille Veii busted for a 23 yard score and it was Mary;and who carried the game into the half with a lead. Brad Craddock nailed a 41 yard field goal and Wes Brown rushed for a 1 yard score giving the Terrapins a 17-14 advantage at the break. Stefon Diggs increased the scoring on a 53 yard pass play from Perry Hills making it 24-14. Iowa fought back and made it a 3 point game on a 2 yard touchdown rush from Weisman. The 4th quarter saw the Terrapins pull away on William Likely 45 yard pick six and a Wes Brown one yard dash for a touchdown. Down 38-21 Rudock and the Hawkeyes fought back when his four yard pass Jacob Hillyer for a touchdown. The Hawakeyes would add a late Marshall Koehn field goal making it 38-31. The Terrapins hung on for the victory. Maryland (5-2, 2-1) heads out to Madison to take on Wisconsin. Iowa (5-2, 2-1) heads into its second and final bye week before taking on Northwestern at home on November 1st.
Minnesota 39, Purdue 38
This was definitely the game to watch on Saturday. It was all Purdue then it was all Minnesota. Austin Appleby threw a pick 4 seconds into the game setting up the Gophers on the two yard line where David Cobb punched in the ball giving the Gophers a 7-0 lead. Appleby made up for that on ereal quick when he found Danny Anthrop on a screen that went for 55 yards tying the game at 7. Maxx Williams caught a Mitch Leidner pass from 4 yards out giving the Gophers a 14-7 advantage. Leidner was 9-18 with 165 yards passing and 3 total touchdowns on the day. Appleby found Gabe Holmes for a 13 yard TD with 2:37 to go in the first. This one was knotted up at 14 at the end of one. Donnell Kirkwood put the Goldy back on top at the start of the 2nd with a 3 yard TD run. Ryan Santoso's PAT was not converted and the Gophers clung to a 20-14 lead. Raheem Mostert broke off a 42 dash to the endzone throwing the lead back to the Boilermakers and Paul Griggs added a 26 yard chip shot field goal making it 24-20. Appleby again found another receiver; this time an 8 yard pass to DeAngelo Yancey. The Boilermakers lead 31-20 at the half and were in full control thanks to Appleby. Appleby finished 16-26 for 153 yards, 3 TDs through the air, 1 on the ground, and 2 interceptions. Leidner broke the plain at 12:03 of the second half on a 6 yard run making it 31-26 Purdue. Santoso added a 20 yard field goal making 31-29. Appleby cashed in his running TD from a yard out making it 38-29. Leidner at the end of the half, found KJ Maye for 37 yard TD hookup putting the Gophers 2 points away from. Down 38-36 the Gophers regained the lead behind a 52 yard field goal from Santoso. With just under 5 minutes to go, the Gophers hung onto win 39-38. Minnesota (6-1, 3-0) travels to Champagne to take on Illinois. Purdue (3-5, 1-3) heads into a bye week.
#13 Ohio State 56, Rutgers 17
JT Barrett is making Columbus wonder if Braxton Miller should just retire. Barrett went 19-31, 261 yards through the air, 107 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns through the air, and 2 rushing touchdowns. If he could throw to himself, Barrett would've led the Buckeyes in receiving as well. Barrett's first passing TD was a 12 yard strike to Nick Vannett. Ezekiel Elliott pounded into the end zone for a score making it 14-0. Desmond Peoples added a one yard TD run for the Scarlet Knights making it 14-7 OSU at the end of the first. Rutgers wouldn't score again till the third quarter. Vannett caught his second TD this time a 26 yard strike. Eli Apple returned a Rutgers fumble 4 yards to the house and Rod Smith pounded 3 yards into the end zone capping the Buckeyes scoring at 35-7 at the half. Barrett added his rushing TD on a 33 yard scamper and then his second score on a 5 yard dash. Down 49-7 Kyle Federico tacked on a 42 yard field goal for the Scarlet Knights. Evan Spencer made a spectacular one handed grab in the endzone to make it 56-10 in favor of the Buckeyes. Peoples would get his second TD of the day on 12 yard run in the 4th quarter. The Buckeyes steamrolled to a 56-17 victory. Ohio State (5-1, 2-0) heads to Happy Valley to take on Penn State. Rutgers (5-2, 1-2) travels to Nebraska.
#8 Michigan State 56, Indiana 17
Well things were almost ugly for the Spartans but what's a little football without some adversity? The offense picked up right where it left off. At 9:26 of the 1st quarter Jeremy Langford broke the plain on a 32 yard run making 7-0 MSU. At the end of the first Griffin Oakes nailed a 27 yard field goal attempt for the Hoosiers cutting the lead to 7-3. Connor Cook found Josiah Price on a 10 yard pass to the end zone to start the second quarter. Cook went 24-32 with 332 yards passing, with 3 TDs and 1 interception. This is when it got ugly for MSU. The offense stalled a bit and Indiana took advantage. Indiana down 14-3 clawed back on 75 yard burst for a score by Shane Wynn. Not long after freshmen QB Zander Diamont (5-15, 11 yards, 1 rushing TD) punched in a 9 yard rush giving the Hoosiers a 17-14 lead. It didn't last long. Langford recorded his second TD of the day on a 8 yard rush and later in the quarter Cook found Macgarrett Kings Jr. on a 14 yard pass to give the Spartans a 28-17 advantage at the half. Cook would find RJ Shelton on a 4 yard pass to the endzone making it 35-17 and the only score of the 3rd quarter. Langford racked up his third and final rush TD on 4 yard scamper. Delton Williams slipped away for a 22 yard rush TD and Nick Hill would get a 76 yard rush TD as well to cap the scoring at 56-17 MSU. MSU's defense gave up 213 yards rushing but most of the yard came on 3 big run plays; only one of those resulted in a TD. Diamont could only manage 11 yards passing and his Hoosiers continue to struggle after their upset victory over Missouri. Indiana (3-4, 0-3) goes into a bye week. MSU (6-1, 3-0) welcomes in hated in-state rival Michigan.
#19 Nebraska 38, Northwestern 17
The Wildcats in their Gothic Uniforms hit the Nebraska Renaissance in the second half. Nebraska emerged from the dark to dominate Northwestern all over the field and establish that the West will be won by taking out Nebraska. The only score of the first quarter was a 2 yard run by Northwestern's Justin Jackson for a TD. Ameer Abdullah got his first of four rushing touchdowns on a 1 yard push into the endzone to tie the game at 7. Jackson got his second with just under 2 minutes to go in the half on a 5 yard scamper. Nebraska responded on 16 yard De'Mornay Pierson-El pass to QB Tommy Armstrong tying the game at 14 a piece. Jack Mitchell would add a 29 yard field goal with 3 seconds left for the Wildcats giving them a 17-14 lead at the break. Northwestern never held the lead again. At 4:52 of the 3rd, Ameer Abdullah plunged in for a one yard TD. He would then go on to score 2 more 1 yard rush TD's in the 4th quarter putting the Cornhusker's up 35-17. Drew Brown tacked on a 33 yard field goal finalizing the score at 38-17. Nebraska held Northwestern to 290 total yards while racking up 471 yards of their own. A balanced attack and strong second half defense proved to be the dagger Nebraska drove into the Wildcats's hearts. Nebraska (6-1, 2-1) welcomes Rutgers to Lincoln and Northwestern (3-4, 2-2) heads to a bye week.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Previews & Predictions: Week 8
Iowa at Maryland 12 PM, Line: Maryland -4
Iowa comes off a week of drubbing Indiana looking to go 3-0 in Big Ten play. Maryland comes off a bye week where they drubbed Indiana before that bye week. Iowa scored more points on Indiana but Maryland held Indiana to less points. Both gave up over a hundred yards to Tevin Coleman but Iowa gave up 219. Iowa has a team capable of scoring in bunches and Maryland's defense is suspect. Just swap the names of the teams around. Maryland takes this home by a field goal.
Prediction: Maryland 33, Iowa 30
Purdue at Minnesota 12 PM
Purdue's offense came alive against MSU late is radiating confidence heading to Minnesota. Minnesota comes off a big W over Northwestern to lead the Big Ten West. Akheem Hunt could run all over the Gopher D and QB Austin Appleby looks great. Minnesota's Leidner could tear through the Purdue D and I think we'll have one team hit forty points. Purdue takes a road victory by 6.
Prediction: Purdue 45, Minnesota 39
Michigan State at Indiana 3:30 PM, Line: Michigan State -16.5
Michigan State continues to be strong on offense and no one will slow them down. Indiana sits at .500 but is capable of being an upset team (i.e. Missouri) Indiana's offense won't muster much as QB Nate Sudfeld is out. Tevin Coleman will be the only man who can produce today for Indiana but just like Ameer Abdullah this great RB will stuffed by the MSU D. Indiana's D won't stop MSU either.
Prediction: Michigan State 59, Indiana 23
Rutgers at Ohio State 3:30 PM, Line: Ohio State -21
Rutgers and Ohio State both come off bye weeks and are looking to add to their impressive Big Ten starts. Rutgers offense could take advantage of a weaker than usual Ohio State D if they use the long ball. Ohio State should be able to outscore Rutgers easily with their high powered offense. Rutgers has not performed well against Top 25 teams. They've lost their last 6 to those teams. Make that 7 after tonight.
Prediction: Ohio State 56, Rutgers 27
Nebraska at Northwestern 7:30 PM, Line: Nebraska -6.5
Nebraska looks to avenge their loss to MSU with a big victory and Northwestern looks to avoid dropping another Big Ten game. Nebraska's D may be too strong for the Wildcats unless Justin Jackson can get going on the ground. Also they need to go over the top and if they do; Nebraska is in tro Northwestern and Nebraska always give thrillers and I believe Northwestern will win this one and avenge the Hail Mary pass that defeated them at Nebraska last year with one of their own. Cats by 2.
Prediction: Northwestern 37, Nebraska 35
Iowa comes off a week of drubbing Indiana looking to go 3-0 in Big Ten play. Maryland comes off a bye week where they drubbed Indiana before that bye week. Iowa scored more points on Indiana but Maryland held Indiana to less points. Both gave up over a hundred yards to Tevin Coleman but Iowa gave up 219. Iowa has a team capable of scoring in bunches and Maryland's defense is suspect. Just swap the names of the teams around. Maryland takes this home by a field goal.
Prediction: Maryland 33, Iowa 30
Purdue at Minnesota 12 PM
Purdue's offense came alive against MSU late is radiating confidence heading to Minnesota. Minnesota comes off a big W over Northwestern to lead the Big Ten West. Akheem Hunt could run all over the Gopher D and QB Austin Appleby looks great. Minnesota's Leidner could tear through the Purdue D and I think we'll have one team hit forty points. Purdue takes a road victory by 6.
Prediction: Purdue 45, Minnesota 39
Michigan State at Indiana 3:30 PM, Line: Michigan State -16.5
Michigan State continues to be strong on offense and no one will slow them down. Indiana sits at .500 but is capable of being an upset team (i.e. Missouri) Indiana's offense won't muster much as QB Nate Sudfeld is out. Tevin Coleman will be the only man who can produce today for Indiana but just like Ameer Abdullah this great RB will stuffed by the MSU D. Indiana's D won't stop MSU either.
Prediction: Michigan State 59, Indiana 23
Rutgers at Ohio State 3:30 PM, Line: Ohio State -21
Rutgers and Ohio State both come off bye weeks and are looking to add to their impressive Big Ten starts. Rutgers offense could take advantage of a weaker than usual Ohio State D if they use the long ball. Ohio State should be able to outscore Rutgers easily with their high powered offense. Rutgers has not performed well against Top 25 teams. They've lost their last 6 to those teams. Make that 7 after tonight.
Prediction: Ohio State 56, Rutgers 27
Nebraska at Northwestern 7:30 PM, Line: Nebraska -6.5
Nebraska looks to avenge their loss to MSU with a big victory and Northwestern looks to avoid dropping another Big Ten game. Nebraska's D may be too strong for the Wildcats unless Justin Jackson can get going on the ground. Also they need to go over the top and if they do; Nebraska is in tro Northwestern and Nebraska always give thrillers and I believe Northwestern will win this one and avenge the Hail Mary pass that defeated them at Nebraska last year with one of their own. Cats by 2.
Prediction: Northwestern 37, Nebraska 35
Steve O's Scoreboard: Week 7
A first perfect week for me? Yes, and it was only my second week of predictions! I'd like to thank my parents and the ESPN stats that I used to help make my selections. I love you Big Ten football.
Wisconsin 38, Illinois 28
Prediction: Wisconsin 38, Illinois 24
Damn was I close to predicting the score right. Turned out just as I thought. A slow start by the Badgers but they would overcome. Gordon had 4 TD's on the ground and is my pick along with Tevin Coleman of Indiana as my pick for Big Ten Heisman. They did just that. 1-0 on the week.
Iowa 45, Indiana 29
Prediction: Iowa 41, Indiana 27
Kinda scary or what? Almost two exact scores predicted. Just as I said, a weak Indiana defense would give up points to a strong Iowa offense. Iowa however, gave up huge sums to Tevin Coleman and should be worried about their rush defense. Coleman is scary and will be a guy to watch all year. Make me 2-0.
Minnesota 24, Northwestern 17
Prediction: Minnesota 24, Northwestern 20
Hire me now ESPN! The team with the least mistakes will take this one. Minnesota won on a Northwestern kick return mis-coverage. Minnesota controls their own destiny now. Gopher's can win the west. I'm 3-0.
Michigan State 45, Purdue 31
Prediction: Michigan State 42, Purdue 17
Okay so I wasn't so close this time. Purdue was surprising against the MSU defense late which is something MSU should worry about. Purdue should get their points against teams that aren't too strong on defense. MSU's offense should carry them and if their D can play a whole game, they'll beat anybody. 4-0.
Michigan 18, Penn State 13
Prediction: Michigan 28, Penn State 27
Said Michigan would edge it out and they did. We learned Michigan's offense still is nonexistent and Penn State is still horrible. Not much to analyze here. 5-0.
Week 7 Record: 5-0
Overall Record: 9-2
Roundup: Week 7
Now seven weeks into the college football season and things just keep spiraling every which way. SEC teams going down here, Big 12 shootouts over there, and the Big Ten just kinda stayed home. "Hey let's not mix it up tonight. We'll just stay home." And for many Big Ten teams and fans, it was a breath of fresh air. Let's corral the five games of yesterday.
Wisconsin 38, Illinois 28
At the end of the first quarter it seemed another slow start was going to plague the Badgers. But down 14-7 Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon punched in two touchdowns. One Gordon dash came from 6 yards out and other from 30 yards out to give the Badgers at 21-7 lead with 2:14 to go in the 1st half. Rafael Gaglianone booted a 44 yard field goal with 3 seconds left in the half to cap the scoring at 24-14 in favor of Wisconsin. Neither team could muster much offense in the 3rd quarter until Gordon snuck in from a yard out to make it 31-14 Wisconsin. Gordon's late 3rd quarter score would end his night of touchdowns; he had 4 on the ground and had 175 yards rushing on 27 carries. Ten seconds into the fourth quarter Corey Clement found a gap in the Illini defense and ran 72 yards for a touchdown propelling the Badgers to a 38-14 lead. Aaron Bailey and Donovonn Young both added late scores for the Illini on runs of 29 yards and 1 yard finalizing the scoring for the game. Wisconsin bled the clock put this one in the books, 38-28. No pass production was the only chink for the Badgers as Joel Stave was only 7 for 14 with 73 yards through the air. Wisconsin finished with 498 yards of total offense and allowed only 288 yards on defense. Illinois's Reilly O'Toole finished 12 of 19 for 96 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. Wisconsin now 4-2 and 1-1 in the conference heads to a bye week. Illinois (3-4, 0-3) also heads to a bye week.
Iowa 45, Indiana 29
The Hoosiers looking for their first conference win; wouldn't find it in Iowa City. Iowa and Indiana scored the bulk of the points in the 1st half and it all got started late in the 1st quarter. The Hawkeyes scored 4 touchdowns in 3 minutes and 38 seconds! Jake Duzey caught the Jake Rudock pass for a 12 yard TD at 4:41 of the first quarter. Then at 3:37 Desmond King picked off the Nate Sudfeld pass and returned it 35 yards to the house to make it 14-0 Iowa. Then at 1:55 Damond Powell broke the plain on a 72 yard hookup from Rudock to increase the Hawkeye lead to 21 zip. The Hoosiers wouldn't go quietly as RB Tevin Coleman burst 83 yards through the Hawkeyes' D at 1:12 to go in the 1st to give Indiana their first touchdown. Now up 21-7, Rudock handed the ball off to Jonathon Parker who dashed 60 yards to the end zone at 1:03 to make it 28-7. Opening the second quarter of the offensive showcase, Sudfeld, who went 4-9 with 85 yards passing and a touchdown, found Nick Stoner 13 yards away in the end zone all alone. Three minutes later Coleman again busted the Hawkeyes on the ground; going 45 yards for the touchdown to cut the Iowa lead to 28-21. Iowa would march down the field and add a Marshall Koehn 22 yard field goal. As time expired in half Mark Weisman dived through the trenches to make it 38-21 at the break. Neither team scored in the scored in the 3rd but it didn't take long for Weisman to add his second TD at the beginning of the 4th. At 13:17 Weisman fought his way through the pile-up putting the Hawkeyes up 45-21. Coleman slipped through the Hawkeys grasps one more time, this time for a 69 yard score. Shane Wynn ran in the 2 point conversion but that's the Hoosiers would muster in their comeback attempt. Tevin Coleman was the only bright spot for Indiana. He finished with 219 yards rushing on 15 carries and 3 TDs. Rudock was 19-27, 210 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. The Iowa defense gave up 432 yards with 316 coming on the ground. Iowa was able to outlast the Hoosiers (now 3-3, 0-2) who will welcome MSU next week. The Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-0) travel to conference new comer Maryland.
Minnesota 24, Northwestern 17
The Gophers may just be the real deal. Minnesota donned their maroon jerseys, gold pants, and golden helmets to take on Northwestern who also showed up rather spiffy in their all white attire. The contest proved to be a defensive battle but Minnesota's QB Mitch Leidner struck first on a one yard plunge into the end zone with 3:18 left in the first. Northwestern struck back in the second on a Justin Jackson 11 yard reception from QB Trevor Siemian. Siemian was 32-50 for 269 yards with an interception and and a touchdown through the air and one on the ground.. Leidner provided most of the ground work for the Gophers and he again found pay dirt from a yard out with 8:26 to go in the half. The Wildcat's now trailing 14-7 added a Jack Mitchell field goal that wasn't more than a chip shot from 19 yards out 4 seconds before the half. Neither Northwestern or Minnesota could score in the 3rd quarter. Early on in the fourth quarter Ryan Santoso tacked on a 25 yard field goal for the Gophers increasing the lead to 17-10. The Wildcat's on the back of QB Siemian roared back and clawed their way to the end zone. Siemian pushed into the end zone from 2 yards out tied the game at 17. On the ensuing kickoff, Jalen Myrick fielded the ball for the Gophers at his own goal line and raced down the sideline untouched for a 100 yard kick return sending TCF Bank Stadium into a frenzy as the Gophers reclaimed the lead at 24-17. They never relinquished it and hung onto win to 24-17. The Wildcats out-gained the Gophers 393 to 274. Minnesota (5-1, 2-0) welcomes Purdue next week and Northwestern (3-3, 2-1) heads home to welcome Nebraska.
#8 Michigan State 45, Purdue 31
Michigan State rolled in, had it won early, then almost lost it. Jumping out to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first upon the backs of Tony Lippett and Nick Hill the Spartans looked in full form. Connor Cook and the offense hit their stride early and often. Cook was 19-37 for 238 yards, 1 interception, and 3 touchdowns. The second of Cook's 3 TDs was to Josiah Price from 2 yards out to put MSU up 21-3.Purdue finally joined the TD party when Akheem Hunt broke the plain on a 3 yard run to make it 21-10. Michael Geiger split the uprights from 42 yards making it 24-10. The Boilermakers made it 24-17 on an Austin Appleby 9 yard pass to BJ Knauf just before the half. To begin the secind half Cook hit Aaron Burbridge on a 13 yard pass boosting the lead to 31-17. Later in the 3rd Nick Hill punched in a 4 yard TD run making it 38-17. The Boilermakers didn't go down without a fight. Hunt busted off two scores. Both rushes. One from 52 yards and one from 3 yards. With under 2 minutes to go Appleby looking to lead his team down the field is pressured from all sides and throws a pick six to MSU's Darien Harris who ran it back 15 yards. The Spartans went up 45-31 and hung on to win. MSU (5-1, 2-0) travels to take on Indiana. Purdue (3-4, 1-2) travels to Minnesota.
Michigan 18, Penn State 13
Michigan was happy to get the W even if it was ugly. Penn State continued it's struggle but it struck first on a Sam Ficken 35 yard field goal. Devin Funchess responded on a 43 yard pass from Devin Gardner. Down 7-3 Penn State added another Ficken field goal from 32 yards out to end the first quarter. with 11:58 to go in the half DaeSean Hamilton caught a 10 yard Christian Hackenberg pass for a TD and the Nittany Lions took their first and last lead of the night. To end the half Matt Wile kicked a 45 yard field goal making 13-10. Wile converted another field goal this time from 42 yards in the third making it 13-13. Wile hit a 37 yard field goal giving the Wolverines the lead at 16-13. They never relinquished it. Adding a safety with 1;41 to go the Wolverines wrapped it up with a 18-13 win. Michigan (3-4, 1-2) heads to a bye week. Penn State (4-2, 1-2) will as well.
Wisconsin 38, Illinois 28
At the end of the first quarter it seemed another slow start was going to plague the Badgers. But down 14-7 Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon punched in two touchdowns. One Gordon dash came from 6 yards out and other from 30 yards out to give the Badgers at 21-7 lead with 2:14 to go in the 1st half. Rafael Gaglianone booted a 44 yard field goal with 3 seconds left in the half to cap the scoring at 24-14 in favor of Wisconsin. Neither team could muster much offense in the 3rd quarter until Gordon snuck in from a yard out to make it 31-14 Wisconsin. Gordon's late 3rd quarter score would end his night of touchdowns; he had 4 on the ground and had 175 yards rushing on 27 carries. Ten seconds into the fourth quarter Corey Clement found a gap in the Illini defense and ran 72 yards for a touchdown propelling the Badgers to a 38-14 lead. Aaron Bailey and Donovonn Young both added late scores for the Illini on runs of 29 yards and 1 yard finalizing the scoring for the game. Wisconsin bled the clock put this one in the books, 38-28. No pass production was the only chink for the Badgers as Joel Stave was only 7 for 14 with 73 yards through the air. Wisconsin finished with 498 yards of total offense and allowed only 288 yards on defense. Illinois's Reilly O'Toole finished 12 of 19 for 96 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. Wisconsin now 4-2 and 1-1 in the conference heads to a bye week. Illinois (3-4, 0-3) also heads to a bye week.
Iowa 45, Indiana 29
The Hoosiers looking for their first conference win; wouldn't find it in Iowa City. Iowa and Indiana scored the bulk of the points in the 1st half and it all got started late in the 1st quarter. The Hawkeyes scored 4 touchdowns in 3 minutes and 38 seconds! Jake Duzey caught the Jake Rudock pass for a 12 yard TD at 4:41 of the first quarter. Then at 3:37 Desmond King picked off the Nate Sudfeld pass and returned it 35 yards to the house to make it 14-0 Iowa. Then at 1:55 Damond Powell broke the plain on a 72 yard hookup from Rudock to increase the Hawkeye lead to 21 zip. The Hoosiers wouldn't go quietly as RB Tevin Coleman burst 83 yards through the Hawkeyes' D at 1:12 to go in the 1st to give Indiana their first touchdown. Now up 21-7, Rudock handed the ball off to Jonathon Parker who dashed 60 yards to the end zone at 1:03 to make it 28-7. Opening the second quarter of the offensive showcase, Sudfeld, who went 4-9 with 85 yards passing and a touchdown, found Nick Stoner 13 yards away in the end zone all alone. Three minutes later Coleman again busted the Hawkeyes on the ground; going 45 yards for the touchdown to cut the Iowa lead to 28-21. Iowa would march down the field and add a Marshall Koehn 22 yard field goal. As time expired in half Mark Weisman dived through the trenches to make it 38-21 at the break. Neither team scored in the scored in the 3rd but it didn't take long for Weisman to add his second TD at the beginning of the 4th. At 13:17 Weisman fought his way through the pile-up putting the Hawkeyes up 45-21. Coleman slipped through the Hawkeys grasps one more time, this time for a 69 yard score. Shane Wynn ran in the 2 point conversion but that's the Hoosiers would muster in their comeback attempt. Tevin Coleman was the only bright spot for Indiana. He finished with 219 yards rushing on 15 carries and 3 TDs. Rudock was 19-27, 210 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. The Iowa defense gave up 432 yards with 316 coming on the ground. Iowa was able to outlast the Hoosiers (now 3-3, 0-2) who will welcome MSU next week. The Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-0) travel to conference new comer Maryland.
Minnesota 24, Northwestern 17
The Gophers may just be the real deal. Minnesota donned their maroon jerseys, gold pants, and golden helmets to take on Northwestern who also showed up rather spiffy in their all white attire. The contest proved to be a defensive battle but Minnesota's QB Mitch Leidner struck first on a one yard plunge into the end zone with 3:18 left in the first. Northwestern struck back in the second on a Justin Jackson 11 yard reception from QB Trevor Siemian. Siemian was 32-50 for 269 yards with an interception and and a touchdown through the air and one on the ground.. Leidner provided most of the ground work for the Gophers and he again found pay dirt from a yard out with 8:26 to go in the half. The Wildcat's now trailing 14-7 added a Jack Mitchell field goal that wasn't more than a chip shot from 19 yards out 4 seconds before the half. Neither Northwestern or Minnesota could score in the 3rd quarter. Early on in the fourth quarter Ryan Santoso tacked on a 25 yard field goal for the Gophers increasing the lead to 17-10. The Wildcat's on the back of QB Siemian roared back and clawed their way to the end zone. Siemian pushed into the end zone from 2 yards out tied the game at 17. On the ensuing kickoff, Jalen Myrick fielded the ball for the Gophers at his own goal line and raced down the sideline untouched for a 100 yard kick return sending TCF Bank Stadium into a frenzy as the Gophers reclaimed the lead at 24-17. They never relinquished it and hung onto win to 24-17. The Wildcats out-gained the Gophers 393 to 274. Minnesota (5-1, 2-0) welcomes Purdue next week and Northwestern (3-3, 2-1) heads home to welcome Nebraska.
#8 Michigan State 45, Purdue 31
Michigan State rolled in, had it won early, then almost lost it. Jumping out to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first upon the backs of Tony Lippett and Nick Hill the Spartans looked in full form. Connor Cook and the offense hit their stride early and often. Cook was 19-37 for 238 yards, 1 interception, and 3 touchdowns. The second of Cook's 3 TDs was to Josiah Price from 2 yards out to put MSU up 21-3.Purdue finally joined the TD party when Akheem Hunt broke the plain on a 3 yard run to make it 21-10. Michael Geiger split the uprights from 42 yards making it 24-10. The Boilermakers made it 24-17 on an Austin Appleby 9 yard pass to BJ Knauf just before the half. To begin the secind half Cook hit Aaron Burbridge on a 13 yard pass boosting the lead to 31-17. Later in the 3rd Nick Hill punched in a 4 yard TD run making it 38-17. The Boilermakers didn't go down without a fight. Hunt busted off two scores. Both rushes. One from 52 yards and one from 3 yards. With under 2 minutes to go Appleby looking to lead his team down the field is pressured from all sides and throws a pick six to MSU's Darien Harris who ran it back 15 yards. The Spartans went up 45-31 and hung on to win. MSU (5-1, 2-0) travels to take on Indiana. Purdue (3-4, 1-2) travels to Minnesota.
Michigan 18, Penn State 13
Michigan was happy to get the W even if it was ugly. Penn State continued it's struggle but it struck first on a Sam Ficken 35 yard field goal. Devin Funchess responded on a 43 yard pass from Devin Gardner. Down 7-3 Penn State added another Ficken field goal from 32 yards out to end the first quarter. with 11:58 to go in the half DaeSean Hamilton caught a 10 yard Christian Hackenberg pass for a TD and the Nittany Lions took their first and last lead of the night. To end the half Matt Wile kicked a 45 yard field goal making 13-10. Wile converted another field goal this time from 42 yards in the third making it 13-13. Wile hit a 37 yard field goal giving the Wolverines the lead at 16-13. They never relinquished it. Adding a safety with 1;41 to go the Wolverines wrapped it up with a 18-13 win. Michigan (3-4, 1-2) heads to a bye week. Penn State (4-2, 1-2) will as well.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Previews and Predictions: Week 7
All Conference games this week! Two upstart teams hold their own destiny and two struggling teams look to restart their engines and finish the second half strong. Let's get this Previews and Predictions rolling!
Illinois at Wisconsin, 12 PM
Illinois, (3-3, 0-2) last in the West standings, looks to turn it round against a shocked Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1) at Camp Randall. Wisconsin's four turnovers blew up any thought of a victory at Northwestern and the slow start doomed them. Illinois should not be much of a problem for Wisconsin unless Wisconsin starts slow on either side of the ball. Illinois's offense is capable of scoring points but hasn't been consistent. The Illini defense is not strong and a slow start may be survivable for the Badgers. Wisconsin takes this one after another slow start.
Prediction: Wisconsin 38, Illinois 24
Indiana at Iowa, 12 PM
The Hawkeyes welcome the Hoosiers to Kinnick for a noon kickoff. Neither teams have a defense that is overly strong. Indiana (3-2, 0-1) has a bipolar offense but I'm predicting the Hoosiers have a better week on offense. Iowa (4-1, 1-0) comes off a bye week looking to rock the house. An offense that can score points will against a weak Indiana defense. Possibly could be a shootout to start. It;s tough to play at Kinnick Stadium giving Iowa the advantage.
Prediction: Iowa 41, Indiana 27
Northwestern at Minnesota 12 PM
Two teams that have upset capabilities and hold their destiny in the West. The team that wins will be a favorite to capture the West title. Northwestern has to visit Minnesota giving Minnesota the edge this week. Both teams have offenses led by young leaders at QB who are prime choices t lead their teams to victory. Both feature hard-hitting defenses and the team with the least mistakes will take this one. Minnesota edges Northwestern at the end.
Prediction: Minnesota 24. Northwestern 20
#8 Michigan State at Purdue, 3:30 PM. Line: MSU -21.5
Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) rolls into Purdue (4-1, 1-0) looking to tie the Boilermakers to the train tracks. Purdue comes off a great performance by QB Austin Appleby but the defense is suspect. Purdue has given up substantial points in losses and Michigan State's offense has exploited weak defenses. Michigan State will let the steam out of the boiler by halftime. No way Dantonio will let an almost collapse happen again. Statement will be made today.
Prediction: Michigan State 42, Purdue 17
Penn State at Michigan, 7 PM. Line: Michigan -2.5
Penn State comes off a bye week looking to ruin Michigan's night game party. Michigan's two night games were wins against Notre Dame but weak Notre Dame teams. Therefore Michigan will either thrive under the lights or implode more. Penn State is weak. They have no depth and disagreement throughout. Michigan has a weak secondary so Penn State has to avoid running the ball and hit the pass to stay in this one. Devin Gardner will lead the Wolverines to a win. Barely.
Prediction: Michigan 28, Penn State 27
Game to Watch: Northwestern at Minnesota
Game to Disregard: Michigan State at Purdue
Dark Horse Game: Penn State at Michigan
Outrageous Predictions:
Illinois 28, Wisconsin 14
Indiana 65, Iowa 63
Northwestern 35, Minnesota 17
Purdue 17, Michigan State 13
Michigan 35, Penn State 7
Steve O's Scoreboard: Week 6
Week 6 brought a new installment here at the Original Conference Gazette called; Previews and Predictions and it has a brother. This brother is Steve O's Scoreboard where I'll review my picks, offer commentary on the games, and give my record on the games picked.
Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
Prediction: Rutgers 27, Michigan 20
Thought this would be close and it was. Just as I thought, Michigan's secondary is as weak as advertised and they were torched for 404 yards through the air and 3 TDs. Michigan's offense struggled still but was better than usual but only mustered 20 points on a weak Rutgers' D. I start off 1-0 in picks.
#10 Michigan State 27, #19 Nebraska 22
Prediction: Michigan State 31, Nebraska 28
This game was close as predicted but it shouldn't have been. Michigan State had their way with the Cornhuskers at the start taking a 17-0 lead into the half. They looked strong and proved their offense is able to compete with anyone but they pulled a Michigan State. The Spartans toyed with Nebraska then got lazy. Passing all over the Huskers until the second half where they ran the ball almost every play. Predictable play allowed Nebraska the opportunity to tip toe back into the contest. Nebraska almost pulled off the comeback but fell short. Make me 2-0.
Northwestern 20, #17 Wisconsin 14
Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Northwestern 23
I tried to tell everyone about Wisconsin's slow starts and how the Badgers needed to beware a sleepy start this week and low and behold guess who was right? ME. Yet i still picked Wisconsin. I didn't believe Northwestern was that good because Penn State isn't that good. Now the wildcats are for real and the upset bus is coming to a Big Ten city near you. In a game dominated by defense it was the Wildcat's D that made a lasting impression. Still Northwestern struggles against teams with consistent offense. This is an L I'm okay with. 2-1.
Indiana 49, North Texas 24
Prediction: Indiana 45, North Texas 13
The Hoosier's didn't screw it up this week and kept my heart beating for the Big Ten. My love is un-wavered thanks to a Hoosier victory. Yeah it was all Hoosier, all day. I'm 3-1.
#20 Ohio State 52, Maryland 24
Prediction: Ohio State 48, Maryland 31
I said three score game, yet Barrett thought it best to make it a four score game. The Buckeyes proved that you can't stop their roll and I'm sure people at the Horseshoe will start asking who that Braxton kid was? OSU was the real big red this week. Make me 4-1.
Purdue 38, Illinois 27
Prediction: Illinois 52, Purdue 48
Well two bipolar teams gave me a tough choice and I picked the weaker team. Purdue won off great play from Austin Appleby but against a weak Illinois team that won't do much. 4-2.
Week 6 Record: 4-2
Overall Record: 4-2
#10 Michigan State 27, #19 Nebraska 22
Prediction: Michigan State 31, Nebraska 28
This game was close as predicted but it shouldn't have been. Michigan State had their way with the Cornhuskers at the start taking a 17-0 lead into the half. They looked strong and proved their offense is able to compete with anyone but they pulled a Michigan State. The Spartans toyed with Nebraska then got lazy. Passing all over the Huskers until the second half where they ran the ball almost every play. Predictable play allowed Nebraska the opportunity to tip toe back into the contest. Nebraska almost pulled off the comeback but fell short. Make me 2-0.
Northwestern 20, #17 Wisconsin 14
Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Northwestern 23
I tried to tell everyone about Wisconsin's slow starts and how the Badgers needed to beware a sleepy start this week and low and behold guess who was right? ME. Yet i still picked Wisconsin. I didn't believe Northwestern was that good because Penn State isn't that good. Now the wildcats are for real and the upset bus is coming to a Big Ten city near you. In a game dominated by defense it was the Wildcat's D that made a lasting impression. Still Northwestern struggles against teams with consistent offense. This is an L I'm okay with. 2-1.
Indiana 49, North Texas 24
Prediction: Indiana 45, North Texas 13
The Hoosier's didn't screw it up this week and kept my heart beating for the Big Ten. My love is un-wavered thanks to a Hoosier victory. Yeah it was all Hoosier, all day. I'm 3-1.
#20 Ohio State 52, Maryland 24
Prediction: Ohio State 48, Maryland 31
I said three score game, yet Barrett thought it best to make it a four score game. The Buckeyes proved that you can't stop their roll and I'm sure people at the Horseshoe will start asking who that Braxton kid was? OSU was the real big red this week. Make me 4-1.
Purdue 38, Illinois 27
Prediction: Illinois 52, Purdue 48
Well two bipolar teams gave me a tough choice and I picked the weaker team. Purdue won off great play from Austin Appleby but against a weak Illinois team that won't do much. 4-2.
Week 6 Record: 4-2
Overall Record: 4-2
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Week 6 Roundup: Spartans hold late, Northwestern Stuns Part 2
Baaaada Boop Baaadda Bing! Week 6 was a doozy for the Big Ten in many ways, it got weaker but for one (maybe two) teams' their hopes of the College Football Playoff are still alive but barely breathing. (Thank you for that one, The Script). The college football world took a wild ride on the world's highest coaster then flipped, dipped, ducked, and plunged into uncertainty. The Big Ten ride was just as amusing. Here have some recaps. Grab a shot glass too.
#10 Michigan State 27, #19 Nebraska 22
The Spartans gave every fan (the ones who stayed at least, yeah looking at you student section) a near heart attack with 5 minutes to go in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans dominated the first half, taking a 17-0 lead on the Huskers into the break on the backs of Tony Lippett, Jeremy Langford, Michael Geiger. The MSU offense gashed Nebraska early and often in the first half as Lippett's touchdown was a 55 yard pass play that anyone's crippled grandmother could have walked in. Nebraska couldn't muster anything on offense in the first half and the Spartans contained high powered Ameer Abdullah.The offense produced another rushing TD on a beautifully designed run for Langford. Geiger hit a field goal before half and the Spartans were about to break the game open like a pistachio shell. As the half broke the Spartans came out flatter than a shaken up pop. At least on offense anyway. Geiger hit another field goal with 9:18 to go in the third. Halfway into the half Nebraska finally broke their goose egg and hung a crooked number on the board. It remained 20-3 MSU until Lippett took a reverse run play 32 yards in for score making it 27-3. Many fans began to leave Spartan Stadium and taking with them what seemed to be Michigan State's life as well. The MSU student section was half it's size by the 4th quarter. Low and behold things got interesting in the 4th. The MSU defense bit the selves in the foot multiple times and gave up many pass plays to Nebraska. The Spartans came out playing not to lose and not to win and Abdullah broke the plain twice on consecutive drives. Both Nebraska 2 point conversions failed and the score became 27-16. With 3:22 to go Nebraska punt returner, De'Mornay Pierson-El split the MSU special teams for a 62 yard score and the 2 pt conversion failed again. On the on side kick MSU fielded the ball cleanly and drove down the field but stopped the clock on third down with 1:12 to go when Langford couldn't stay inbounds. Geiger's ensuing field goal try clanged off the upright and crossbar before falling out. Nebraska took over at their 20 yard line and drove to the MSU 47 yard line. With 30 seconds to go Armstrong's pass was intercepted by Trey Waynes and the Spartans held on to win 27-22. The MSU defense held Ameer Abdullah to only 47 yards rushing. MSU travels to Purdue next week while Nebraska takes the week off.
Purdue 38, Illinois 27
Purdue first time starting QB Austin Appleby threw for touchdown and ran for two more as the Boilermakers ran all over the Illini, gaining 349 yards of offense en route to a 38-27 victory. Appleby was good for 15 of 20 for 202 yards passing and 76 yards running. Although it was all Purdue at the end of the game, it was shootout for most of the game. Illinois scored first off a pass from QB Wes Lunt that found Tyler White wide open from 13 yards out. Purdue responded two minutes when Raheem Mostert busted the Illinois D for a 44 yard rushing score. Tied at 7-7 Lunt marched the Illini down the field where RB Josh Ferguson punched in a 2 yard second and goal score. That would cap the scoring in the first quarter and the only scores of the second quarter came on a 54 yard run by Boilermakers' RB Ahkeem Hunt and a 20 yard Paul Griggs field goal. Austin Appleby continued his great start when he hooked up with Danny Anthrop for an 80 yard TD. Now down 24-14 the Illini fought back on a 6 yard pass by Lunt to Geronimo Allison cutting the Purdue lead to 24-21. Appleby would strike again this time with his legs from a yard out. Illinois wouldn't go quietly as a Donovan Young two yard run but failed PAT made the game close again at 31-27. At the start of the fourth quarter Appleby again struck with his legs again from a yard out and put the Boilermakers up for good at 38-27. Purdue took home the Purdue cannon but gave up 515 yards but did gain 551 yards. Purdue stuffed an already nonexistent Illini rushing attack and capped them at 65 yards. Purdue gave up 450 yards through the air but had 349 yards rushing on the day. Illinois continued it's struggle of stopping the ground assault. Purdue heads into a bye week and Illinois travels to Wisconsin to take on the stunned Badgers.
#20 Ohio State 52, Maryland 24
J.T. Barrett continued his impressive season as he went 18 for 23 with 267 yards passing and 5 total touchdowns (4 passing, 1 rushing). Ohio States trip to Maryland started off easy as they scored the first 14 points thanks to a one yard by Rod Smith and then a 9 yard Barrett pass to Jalin Marshall. With 5 minutes to go in the first, Brad Craddock added a 57 yard Maryland field goal. Ohio State made it 21-3 on a Barrett pass of 25 yards to Michael Thomas and then 24-3 on a Sean Nuerrnberger 28 yard field goal. Wes Brown brought the Terrapins a TD score in front of the home crowd to cut the lead to 24-10. Barrett again answered this time finding Nick Vannett from a yard out to make 31-10 going into the half. Just under half way through the third quarter Barrett found Devin Smith 30 yards out for another touchdown score. 2 minutes later the Terrapins Brandon Ross ran into the end zone to cut the Buckeye lead to 38-17. But just like before Barrett made Maryland pay this time on a 9 yard run. Maryland QB Caleb Rowe hit Stefon Diggs from 4 yards out making it 45-24. Rowe later in the 4th threw to the opposing team, and Raekwon McMillian of OSU ran an interception back 19 yards to boost the Buckeyes up to 52-24. The game ended quietly from there. Caleb Rowe couldn't overcome the OSU defense as he went 13-22 with 173 yards, 1 TD, and 3 interceptions. The Buckeyes had an almost even split in yards from passing and rushing as they ended up with 533 yards of offense. OSU held Maryland to 310 yards and remained tough on the run, keeping Maryland to 66 yards rushing. Maryland's 4 turnovers were a season high for them and they head to a bye week. Ohio State also heads to a bye week.
Indiana 49, North Texas 24
Indiana bounced back from their drubbing at the hands of Maryland by drubbing North Texas. The Hoosier QB Nate Sudfeld went 23-29 with 230 yards passing and 3 TDs through the air. It didn't take long for Inidiana to score, when four minites in Tevin Coleman punched in a one yard run. Coleman had a great performance as gashed the Mean Green for 150 yards rushing on 17 carries. Nate Subfeld hit his first TD pass to Jordan Fuchs from 12 yards out and Shane Wynn also caught a 45 yard pass from Subfeld at the end of the first to put the Hoosiers up 21-0. The second quarter saw Carlos Harris of North Texas produce the only points as he caught Dajon Williams 20 yard pass. Coming off halftime D'Angelo Roberts busted through North Texas on a 47 yard run to put the Hoosiers up 28-7. Four minutes later Roberts again found the house on a 3 yard run making it 35-7. Trevor Moore added a Mean Greenn field goal from 20 yards out 4 minutes later to stop the bleeding at 35-10. Nonetheless, with 1:50 to go in the 3rd quarter Sudfeld hooked up with Shane Wynn for 76 yards and a TD that bolstered Indiana's lead to 42-10. North Texas opened the 4th quarter with two touchdowns both through the air, Williams hit Marcus Smith first for a 20 yard score then Tanner Smith from a yard out for the Mean Green's final points of the night. With 33 seconds left in the game Devine Redding punched in a 3 yard touchdown to put the Hoosiers up 49-24. Indiana was just shy of 600 yards of offense with 593 total yards. 363 of those on the ground. Indiana also held North Texas to 348 yards total. Indiana heads to Kinnick Stadium this week to face 4-1 Iowa.
Northwestern 20, #17 Wisconsin 14
I tried to tell everyone, Northwestern can getcha! Wisconsin couldn't overcome 4 turnovers and continued to struggle through the air only managing 138 yards passing. The biggest Northwestern threat? Godwin Igwebuike who had 3 interceptions. Trevor Siemian went 15-29 with 182 yards and a TD. Justin Jackson was the work horse on the ground as he compiled 162 yards on 33 carries. Wisconsin's QB woes continued as Joe Stave was 8 for 19 with 114 yards, one touchdown and 3 interceptions. The only score of the first quarter was Jack Mitchell's 22 yard field goal. The second quarter didn't see much action; only a 5 yard Siemian pass to Dan Vitale. The Wildcats led 10-0 at the break. Melvin Gordon opened up the second half as Wisconsin finally got on the board when Gordon punched in a 2 yard TD. It would never get closer than 10-7. Halfway through the third Miles Shuler on an end around went 16 yards for a Northwestern TD. In the fourth Jack Mitchell capped the Wildcat's scoring with a 22 yard field goal. Kenzel Doe caught a Joel Stave 19 yard pass to make it 20-14 with 4 minutes to go but Northwestern hung on upsetting the Badgers. Northwestern racked up 385 yards of offense with 203 on the ground and 182 through the air. Wisconsin did win the yardage battle, compiling 422 yards of offense with 284 on the ground. Gordon had 259 of those on 27 carries. Wisconsin takes on Illinois at home and Northwestern heads to Minnesota.
Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
Things just got worse for Ann Arbor. Michigan happy to get back to football after a week of controversy. came out Saturday only to prove that this team still isn't where it needs to be. Michigan and Rutgers traded field goals to start making it 6-3 in favor of Rutgers at the end of the first. Devin Gardner changed that at the beginning of the second as he dashed 4 yards for a Wolverine touchdown. Big pass plays were the story all day for Rutgers as Gary Nova hit Andrew Turzilli on a 80 yard hook up through the air. De'von Smith and the Wolverines responded when he scored form a yard out. As the half closed, Nova hit John Tsimis on a 7 yard TD pass giving the Scarlet Knights a 19-17 lead. Neither team could accumulate points in the third quarter and it wasn't till 13;12 of the fourth that either did. Nova found Turzilli again, this time from 14 yards out giving Rutgers a 26-17 lead. Gardner and the Wolverines responded 4 minutes later on 19 yard Devin Gardner run to cut the lead to 26-24. Michigan marched down the field and with 3:01 to go the attempted 56 yard Matt Wile field goal was blocked by Kemoko Turay of Rutgers. Rutgers ran down the clock from there and defeated the Wolverines. Nova finished 22 of 39 with 404 passing yards (a career best) and 3 touchdowns. Michigan's weak secondary showed through again and the wolverines continue to struggle. Michigan heads back to Ann Arbor and Rutgers goes onto a bye week.
#10 Michigan State 27, #19 Nebraska 22
The Spartans gave every fan (the ones who stayed at least, yeah looking at you student section) a near heart attack with 5 minutes to go in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans dominated the first half, taking a 17-0 lead on the Huskers into the break on the backs of Tony Lippett, Jeremy Langford, Michael Geiger. The MSU offense gashed Nebraska early and often in the first half as Lippett's touchdown was a 55 yard pass play that anyone's crippled grandmother could have walked in. Nebraska couldn't muster anything on offense in the first half and the Spartans contained high powered Ameer Abdullah.The offense produced another rushing TD on a beautifully designed run for Langford. Geiger hit a field goal before half and the Spartans were about to break the game open like a pistachio shell. As the half broke the Spartans came out flatter than a shaken up pop. At least on offense anyway. Geiger hit another field goal with 9:18 to go in the third. Halfway into the half Nebraska finally broke their goose egg and hung a crooked number on the board. It remained 20-3 MSU until Lippett took a reverse run play 32 yards in for score making it 27-3. Many fans began to leave Spartan Stadium and taking with them what seemed to be Michigan State's life as well. The MSU student section was half it's size by the 4th quarter. Low and behold things got interesting in the 4th. The MSU defense bit the selves in the foot multiple times and gave up many pass plays to Nebraska. The Spartans came out playing not to lose and not to win and Abdullah broke the plain twice on consecutive drives. Both Nebraska 2 point conversions failed and the score became 27-16. With 3:22 to go Nebraska punt returner, De'Mornay Pierson-El split the MSU special teams for a 62 yard score and the 2 pt conversion failed again. On the on side kick MSU fielded the ball cleanly and drove down the field but stopped the clock on third down with 1:12 to go when Langford couldn't stay inbounds. Geiger's ensuing field goal try clanged off the upright and crossbar before falling out. Nebraska took over at their 20 yard line and drove to the MSU 47 yard line. With 30 seconds to go Armstrong's pass was intercepted by Trey Waynes and the Spartans held on to win 27-22. The MSU defense held Ameer Abdullah to only 47 yards rushing. MSU travels to Purdue next week while Nebraska takes the week off.
Purdue 38, Illinois 27
Purdue first time starting QB Austin Appleby threw for touchdown and ran for two more as the Boilermakers ran all over the Illini, gaining 349 yards of offense en route to a 38-27 victory. Appleby was good for 15 of 20 for 202 yards passing and 76 yards running. Although it was all Purdue at the end of the game, it was shootout for most of the game. Illinois scored first off a pass from QB Wes Lunt that found Tyler White wide open from 13 yards out. Purdue responded two minutes when Raheem Mostert busted the Illinois D for a 44 yard rushing score. Tied at 7-7 Lunt marched the Illini down the field where RB Josh Ferguson punched in a 2 yard second and goal score. That would cap the scoring in the first quarter and the only scores of the second quarter came on a 54 yard run by Boilermakers' RB Ahkeem Hunt and a 20 yard Paul Griggs field goal. Austin Appleby continued his great start when he hooked up with Danny Anthrop for an 80 yard TD. Now down 24-14 the Illini fought back on a 6 yard pass by Lunt to Geronimo Allison cutting the Purdue lead to 24-21. Appleby would strike again this time with his legs from a yard out. Illinois wouldn't go quietly as a Donovan Young two yard run but failed PAT made the game close again at 31-27. At the start of the fourth quarter Appleby again struck with his legs again from a yard out and put the Boilermakers up for good at 38-27. Purdue took home the Purdue cannon but gave up 515 yards but did gain 551 yards. Purdue stuffed an already nonexistent Illini rushing attack and capped them at 65 yards. Purdue gave up 450 yards through the air but had 349 yards rushing on the day. Illinois continued it's struggle of stopping the ground assault. Purdue heads into a bye week and Illinois travels to Wisconsin to take on the stunned Badgers.
#20 Ohio State 52, Maryland 24
J.T. Barrett continued his impressive season as he went 18 for 23 with 267 yards passing and 5 total touchdowns (4 passing, 1 rushing). Ohio States trip to Maryland started off easy as they scored the first 14 points thanks to a one yard by Rod Smith and then a 9 yard Barrett pass to Jalin Marshall. With 5 minutes to go in the first, Brad Craddock added a 57 yard Maryland field goal. Ohio State made it 21-3 on a Barrett pass of 25 yards to Michael Thomas and then 24-3 on a Sean Nuerrnberger 28 yard field goal. Wes Brown brought the Terrapins a TD score in front of the home crowd to cut the lead to 24-10. Barrett again answered this time finding Nick Vannett from a yard out to make 31-10 going into the half. Just under half way through the third quarter Barrett found Devin Smith 30 yards out for another touchdown score. 2 minutes later the Terrapins Brandon Ross ran into the end zone to cut the Buckeye lead to 38-17. But just like before Barrett made Maryland pay this time on a 9 yard run. Maryland QB Caleb Rowe hit Stefon Diggs from 4 yards out making it 45-24. Rowe later in the 4th threw to the opposing team, and Raekwon McMillian of OSU ran an interception back 19 yards to boost the Buckeyes up to 52-24. The game ended quietly from there. Caleb Rowe couldn't overcome the OSU defense as he went 13-22 with 173 yards, 1 TD, and 3 interceptions. The Buckeyes had an almost even split in yards from passing and rushing as they ended up with 533 yards of offense. OSU held Maryland to 310 yards and remained tough on the run, keeping Maryland to 66 yards rushing. Maryland's 4 turnovers were a season high for them and they head to a bye week. Ohio State also heads to a bye week.
Indiana 49, North Texas 24
Indiana bounced back from their drubbing at the hands of Maryland by drubbing North Texas. The Hoosier QB Nate Sudfeld went 23-29 with 230 yards passing and 3 TDs through the air. It didn't take long for Inidiana to score, when four minites in Tevin Coleman punched in a one yard run. Coleman had a great performance as gashed the Mean Green for 150 yards rushing on 17 carries. Nate Subfeld hit his first TD pass to Jordan Fuchs from 12 yards out and Shane Wynn also caught a 45 yard pass from Subfeld at the end of the first to put the Hoosiers up 21-0. The second quarter saw Carlos Harris of North Texas produce the only points as he caught Dajon Williams 20 yard pass. Coming off halftime D'Angelo Roberts busted through North Texas on a 47 yard run to put the Hoosiers up 28-7. Four minutes later Roberts again found the house on a 3 yard run making it 35-7. Trevor Moore added a Mean Greenn field goal from 20 yards out 4 minutes later to stop the bleeding at 35-10. Nonetheless, with 1:50 to go in the 3rd quarter Sudfeld hooked up with Shane Wynn for 76 yards and a TD that bolstered Indiana's lead to 42-10. North Texas opened the 4th quarter with two touchdowns both through the air, Williams hit Marcus Smith first for a 20 yard score then Tanner Smith from a yard out for the Mean Green's final points of the night. With 33 seconds left in the game Devine Redding punched in a 3 yard touchdown to put the Hoosiers up 49-24. Indiana was just shy of 600 yards of offense with 593 total yards. 363 of those on the ground. Indiana also held North Texas to 348 yards total. Indiana heads to Kinnick Stadium this week to face 4-1 Iowa.
Northwestern 20, #17 Wisconsin 14
I tried to tell everyone, Northwestern can getcha! Wisconsin couldn't overcome 4 turnovers and continued to struggle through the air only managing 138 yards passing. The biggest Northwestern threat? Godwin Igwebuike who had 3 interceptions. Trevor Siemian went 15-29 with 182 yards and a TD. Justin Jackson was the work horse on the ground as he compiled 162 yards on 33 carries. Wisconsin's QB woes continued as Joe Stave was 8 for 19 with 114 yards, one touchdown and 3 interceptions. The only score of the first quarter was Jack Mitchell's 22 yard field goal. The second quarter didn't see much action; only a 5 yard Siemian pass to Dan Vitale. The Wildcats led 10-0 at the break. Melvin Gordon opened up the second half as Wisconsin finally got on the board when Gordon punched in a 2 yard TD. It would never get closer than 10-7. Halfway through the third Miles Shuler on an end around went 16 yards for a Northwestern TD. In the fourth Jack Mitchell capped the Wildcat's scoring with a 22 yard field goal. Kenzel Doe caught a Joel Stave 19 yard pass to make it 20-14 with 4 minutes to go but Northwestern hung on upsetting the Badgers. Northwestern racked up 385 yards of offense with 203 on the ground and 182 through the air. Wisconsin did win the yardage battle, compiling 422 yards of offense with 284 on the ground. Gordon had 259 of those on 27 carries. Wisconsin takes on Illinois at home and Northwestern heads to Minnesota.
Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
Things just got worse for Ann Arbor. Michigan happy to get back to football after a week of controversy. came out Saturday only to prove that this team still isn't where it needs to be. Michigan and Rutgers traded field goals to start making it 6-3 in favor of Rutgers at the end of the first. Devin Gardner changed that at the beginning of the second as he dashed 4 yards for a Wolverine touchdown. Big pass plays were the story all day for Rutgers as Gary Nova hit Andrew Turzilli on a 80 yard hook up through the air. De'von Smith and the Wolverines responded when he scored form a yard out. As the half closed, Nova hit John Tsimis on a 7 yard TD pass giving the Scarlet Knights a 19-17 lead. Neither team could accumulate points in the third quarter and it wasn't till 13;12 of the fourth that either did. Nova found Turzilli again, this time from 14 yards out giving Rutgers a 26-17 lead. Gardner and the Wolverines responded 4 minutes later on 19 yard Devin Gardner run to cut the lead to 26-24. Michigan marched down the field and with 3:01 to go the attempted 56 yard Matt Wile field goal was blocked by Kemoko Turay of Rutgers. Rutgers ran down the clock from there and defeated the Wolverines. Nova finished 22 of 39 with 404 passing yards (a career best) and 3 touchdowns. Michigan's weak secondary showed through again and the wolverines continue to struggle. Michigan heads back to Ann Arbor and Rutgers goes onto a bye week.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Rich Rodriguez Claws Wolverines One More Time
Rich Rodriguez has not set foot on a Michigan sideline since 2010 but he continues to drive the stake through maize and blue hearts. Rodriguez was successful at West Virginia, oversaw the collapse of a program at Michigan, and now he's reviving the Wildcats down in Arizona. Perfect timing huh?
Michigan, inflamed in national controversy and protests every five paces in Ann Arbor, is looking at Rich Rodriguez's picture and shedding tears as if he was a lover they let go of too soon. Orchestrating perhaps the biggest upset of the week at Oregon, Rodriguez and the Wildcats stunned the college football world and flipped the playoff picture on it's head. This could have been Rich Rod at Michigan but it wasn't meant to be. It's left Wolverines scratching their heads as to why Rich Rod couldn't have done it at Michigan. Most Wolverines hated Rodriguez for plunging their once powerhouse program into mediocrity. Some thought Rodriguez was let go of before he got his chance to prove himself.
At Michigan, there is no room for patience; it's either win now or go. Rodriguez never got his chance to implicate his system at Michigan. His spread offense and sparse defense never carried him far and wouldn't in the Big Ten. Michigan couldn't handle the the shootouts with the players Rodriguez inherited but; given the opportunity to deploy his attack with his kind of recruits like he has at Arizona and did at WVU, the Wolverines might be in the position that Arizona now holds. Rodriguez I'll continue to drown Michigan from afar. Maybe the problem wasn't Rodriguez. Maybe it was Michigan. Maybe it's karma.
Good Luck Ann Arbor.
Michigan, inflamed in national controversy and protests every five paces in Ann Arbor, is looking at Rich Rodriguez's picture and shedding tears as if he was a lover they let go of too soon. Orchestrating perhaps the biggest upset of the week at Oregon, Rodriguez and the Wildcats stunned the college football world and flipped the playoff picture on it's head. This could have been Rich Rod at Michigan but it wasn't meant to be. It's left Wolverines scratching their heads as to why Rich Rod couldn't have done it at Michigan. Most Wolverines hated Rodriguez for plunging their once powerhouse program into mediocrity. Some thought Rodriguez was let go of before he got his chance to prove himself.
At Michigan, there is no room for patience; it's either win now or go. Rodriguez never got his chance to implicate his system at Michigan. His spread offense and sparse defense never carried him far and wouldn't in the Big Ten. Michigan couldn't handle the the shootouts with the players Rodriguez inherited but; given the opportunity to deploy his attack with his kind of recruits like he has at Arizona and did at WVU, the Wolverines might be in the position that Arizona now holds. Rodriguez I'll continue to drown Michigan from afar. Maybe the problem wasn't Rodriguez. Maybe it was Michigan. Maybe it's karma.
Good Luck Ann Arbor.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Week 6: Previews & Predictions
Week 6 has graced us with 5 conference games and 1 team playing a non-conference game. You have one job Indiana, don't screw it up. Since this is my first installment of Previews & Predictions, I'll give you an overview of how it will go. I'll preview each game, then provide a prediction for the outcome every Friday. Once we reach the end of the previews and predictions I'll provide a Game to Watch, a Game to Disregard, and a Dark Horse Game. Also I'll give you the outrageous predictions of the week. Here I'll pick a "totally not going to happen but it's fun to predict" score for each game.
Michigan at Rutgers, 7 PM. Line: Rutgers -2
The Wolverines, inflamed in a national controversy, take a visit to High Point Solutions Stadium to take on the Scarlet Knights. 4-1 (0-1) Rutgers comes into this week sitting pretty as their offense is clicking. QB Gary Nova last week became Rutgers's all time leading passer in passing touchdowns a factor that could be big this week against a struggling Michigan secondary that's given up 890 yards through the air and 7 pass touchdowns. Each Rutgers win has seen the Rutgers's O compile at least 31 points and a total of 1203 pass yards in those 4 wins. Yet, Michigan's defense is still better than the teams Rutgers has faced. Michigan (2-3, 0-1) limps along here as their offense can't seem to find a spark. The Wolverines, (if they can) should try and pound the ball on the ground as Rutgers has given up 692 yards to opposing rushers. Rutgers adds a W in this one, as Michigan can't shake off the negativity.
Prediction: Rutgers 27, Michigan 20
#17 Wisconsin at Northwestern, 3:30 PM. Line: Wisconsin -7.5
Northwestern (2-2, 1-0) welcomes the Badgers (3-1, 0-0) to Evanston for a game that should scare Wisconsin fans. Prone to slow starts, the Badgers, cannot have one this week. Northwestern, led by QB Trevor Siemian, has racked up 943 yards through the air but only 449 yards on the ground. They tore through Penn State but certainly face a better defense in this game. Wisconsin has only allowed 260 yards per game and only 14.5 points per game. Wisconsin's offense has stalled early but has pulled away late. Northwestern's defense has only given up 16.8 points and game and 364.3 yards a game but faces a Wisconsin rushing attack led by Melvin Gordon. We'll see just how good this Wildcats team is this week. If Wisconsin starts off quickly, they can wrap this up with a W but a slow start will give the Wildcats life.
Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Northwestern 23
North Texas at Indiana, 2:30 PM. Line: Indiana -13.5
The Hoosiers (2-2, 0-1) take on the North Texas (2-2) after having lost 37-15 to Maryland last week. Indiana is team of ups and downs. Their offense is middle of the pack and their defense is suspect. The Mean Green offense doesn't scare anyone and shouldn't be a problem. Indiana takes care of business.
Prediction: Indiana 45, North Texas 13
#20 Ohio State at Maryland, 12:00 PM. Line: Ohio State -7
The Buckeyes (3-1, 0-0) and J.T. Barret roll into Byrd Stadium to clash with the Terrapins (4-1, 1-0). J.T. Barret looks to lead Ohio State's high powered offense (521.3 yards per game and 21 touchdowns) passed Maryland's defense that's given up 434.8 yards a game. Ohio State's offense should out pace the Maryland defense but the Buckeyes's defense is suspect themselves. Ohio State has given up 315.5 yards per game with almost an even split in yards given up through the air and the ground.Maryland's offense has gained an average of 417.6 yards a game with most of the yards coming through the air. Ohio State better watch out this week. Still, they take it.
Prediction: Ohio State 48, Maryland 31
Purdue at Illinois, 12:00 PM. Line: Illinois -8.5
Coming off a week where both teams lost, only one of these teams will end their blues. This game features the battle for the Purdue Cannon. Illinois (3-2, 0-1) has given up the most points ad yards per game in the Big Ten but Purdue (2-3, 0-1) has gained the least amount of yards per game in the Big Ten. This could be the most boring game outside of Indiana and North Texas. Look for Illinois's slightly better offense to win in a shootout.
Prediction: Illinois 52, Purdue 48
#19 Nebraska at #10 Michigan State, 8:00 PM. Line: Michigan State -6.5
Ameer Abdullah and the undefeated Cornhuskers (5-0, 1-0) road trip up to Spartan Stadium to take on the Big Ten's best offense in Michigan State (3-1, 0-0). The #1 and #2 offenses in the Big Ten will rely on defense this week. Can Michigan State's rush defense which has only given up 78.3 yards a game hold off Abdullah. While staying strong for the most part against Oregon, the rush D has to keep Abdullah from the outside and open space to be successful. If Nebraska slows down on the gorund the air game is good enough to take advantage of MSU's young secondary. MSU has shown they're up to the task if they play smart. If MSU can cut down on mistakes on D they'll be able to hold off Nebraska's rush attack. Nebraska will have to hold off the best QB in the Big Ten in Connor Cook and the MSU air attack. For MSU to win they'll need to hit Nebraska on the ground who has given up and average of 108 yards per game. MSU's Langford, Williams, and Hill have the capability to gain 100 a piece and a balanced attack will give MSU and advantage in this one. Abdullah will get his points but MSU hangs on with a late score and a interception.
Prediction: Michigan State 31, Nebraska 28
The Game Rankings
Game to Watch: Nebraska at Michigan State
Game to Disregard: North Texas at Indiana
Dark Horse Game: Wisconsin at Northwestern
Outrageous Predictions:
Illinois 13, Purdue 10
North Texas 35, Indiana 31
Nebraska 45, MSU 13
Northwestern 27, Wisconsin 7
Maryland 45, Ohio State 23
Michigan 43, Rutgers 10
Michigan at Rutgers, 7 PM. Line: Rutgers -2
The Wolverines, inflamed in a national controversy, take a visit to High Point Solutions Stadium to take on the Scarlet Knights. 4-1 (0-1) Rutgers comes into this week sitting pretty as their offense is clicking. QB Gary Nova last week became Rutgers's all time leading passer in passing touchdowns a factor that could be big this week against a struggling Michigan secondary that's given up 890 yards through the air and 7 pass touchdowns. Each Rutgers win has seen the Rutgers's O compile at least 31 points and a total of 1203 pass yards in those 4 wins. Yet, Michigan's defense is still better than the teams Rutgers has faced. Michigan (2-3, 0-1) limps along here as their offense can't seem to find a spark. The Wolverines, (if they can) should try and pound the ball on the ground as Rutgers has given up 692 yards to opposing rushers. Rutgers adds a W in this one, as Michigan can't shake off the negativity.
Prediction: Rutgers 27, Michigan 20
#17 Wisconsin at Northwestern, 3:30 PM. Line: Wisconsin -7.5
Northwestern (2-2, 1-0) welcomes the Badgers (3-1, 0-0) to Evanston for a game that should scare Wisconsin fans. Prone to slow starts, the Badgers, cannot have one this week. Northwestern, led by QB Trevor Siemian, has racked up 943 yards through the air but only 449 yards on the ground. They tore through Penn State but certainly face a better defense in this game. Wisconsin has only allowed 260 yards per game and only 14.5 points per game. Wisconsin's offense has stalled early but has pulled away late. Northwestern's defense has only given up 16.8 points and game and 364.3 yards a game but faces a Wisconsin rushing attack led by Melvin Gordon. We'll see just how good this Wildcats team is this week. If Wisconsin starts off quickly, they can wrap this up with a W but a slow start will give the Wildcats life.
Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Northwestern 23
North Texas at Indiana, 2:30 PM. Line: Indiana -13.5
The Hoosiers (2-2, 0-1) take on the North Texas (2-2) after having lost 37-15 to Maryland last week. Indiana is team of ups and downs. Their offense is middle of the pack and their defense is suspect. The Mean Green offense doesn't scare anyone and shouldn't be a problem. Indiana takes care of business.
Prediction: Indiana 45, North Texas 13
#20 Ohio State at Maryland, 12:00 PM. Line: Ohio State -7
The Buckeyes (3-1, 0-0) and J.T. Barret roll into Byrd Stadium to clash with the Terrapins (4-1, 1-0). J.T. Barret looks to lead Ohio State's high powered offense (521.3 yards per game and 21 touchdowns) passed Maryland's defense that's given up 434.8 yards a game. Ohio State's offense should out pace the Maryland defense but the Buckeyes's defense is suspect themselves. Ohio State has given up 315.5 yards per game with almost an even split in yards given up through the air and the ground.Maryland's offense has gained an average of 417.6 yards a game with most of the yards coming through the air. Ohio State better watch out this week. Still, they take it.
Prediction: Ohio State 48, Maryland 31
Purdue at Illinois, 12:00 PM. Line: Illinois -8.5
Coming off a week where both teams lost, only one of these teams will end their blues. This game features the battle for the Purdue Cannon. Illinois (3-2, 0-1) has given up the most points ad yards per game in the Big Ten but Purdue (2-3, 0-1) has gained the least amount of yards per game in the Big Ten. This could be the most boring game outside of Indiana and North Texas. Look for Illinois's slightly better offense to win in a shootout.
Prediction: Illinois 52, Purdue 48
#19 Nebraska at #10 Michigan State, 8:00 PM. Line: Michigan State -6.5
Ameer Abdullah and the undefeated Cornhuskers (5-0, 1-0) road trip up to Spartan Stadium to take on the Big Ten's best offense in Michigan State (3-1, 0-0). The #1 and #2 offenses in the Big Ten will rely on defense this week. Can Michigan State's rush defense which has only given up 78.3 yards a game hold off Abdullah. While staying strong for the most part against Oregon, the rush D has to keep Abdullah from the outside and open space to be successful. If Nebraska slows down on the gorund the air game is good enough to take advantage of MSU's young secondary. MSU has shown they're up to the task if they play smart. If MSU can cut down on mistakes on D they'll be able to hold off Nebraska's rush attack. Nebraska will have to hold off the best QB in the Big Ten in Connor Cook and the MSU air attack. For MSU to win they'll need to hit Nebraska on the ground who has given up and average of 108 yards per game. MSU's Langford, Williams, and Hill have the capability to gain 100 a piece and a balanced attack will give MSU and advantage in this one. Abdullah will get his points but MSU hangs on with a late score and a interception.
Prediction: Michigan State 31, Nebraska 28
The Game Rankings
Game to Watch: Nebraska at Michigan State
Game to Disregard: North Texas at Indiana
Dark Horse Game: Wisconsin at Northwestern
Outrageous Predictions:
Illinois 13, Purdue 10
North Texas 35, Indiana 31
Nebraska 45, MSU 13
Northwestern 27, Wisconsin 7
Maryland 45, Ohio State 23
Michigan 43, Rutgers 10
The Rise and Fall of Brady Hoke
Ushering in a new era of football is never easy for any new coach. Especially at a program as rich in tradition and set in its ways as Michigan. And even more especially at a program like Michigan that's been recently battered and torn. To be hired at Michigan, you have to be a ''Michigan Man'' After all "this is Michigan for God sakes." Michigan better delve deeper into the Michigan Men they are hiring these days.
We can't blame the Michigan fan base for liking Hoke at the beginning. Rich Rod was finally gone and a new start was around the bend for the Wolverines. False hope it surely was. This may be the hindsight bias talking after all but Hoke was doomed from the start.
Heading into his Michigan tenure Hoke's overall record was 47-50. Sub .500 for the winning-est school in College Football history!!! Sub .500!! Hoke took over at Ball State for the 2003-2004 season and heading into this season, Ball State, had not had a winning record since 1996. In his first year Hoke coached the cardinals to 4-8 with the wins coming against MAC opponents. Hoke and the Cardinals only won 6 more games over the next two seasons; but the Cardinals improved and in Hoke's last year at Ball State he captained the Cardinals to 12-0 record and an appearance in the MAC Championship Game where they were flattened by Buffalo. The Cardinals went onto play in the GMAC Bowl but without Hoke who bolted for San Diego State. What Hoke left behind at Ball State? 0-8 record against Top 25 opponents, 1 appearance in the MAC Championship Game, 2 bowl game appearances (coached only in 1), 1 bowl game loss, 27-20 record in the MAC, and a 7-18 non-conference record for an overall record of 34-38.
Hoke left his alma mater for Sand Diego State in December of 2009 and in his year of preaching toughness, he and the Aztecs went 4-8 with a 2-6 conference record. The second year the Aztecs compiled a record of 9-4 and 5-3 in conference. Hoke's Aztecs won the Poinsettia Bowl bashing Navy 35-14. Michigan came calling in the off-season and Hoke left for the school that gave him his longest experiences in coaching. What Hoke left behind at San Diego State? 1-5 against Top 25 opponents, 1 bowl game appearance and win,
7-9 conference record, and a 6-3 non-conference record for a 13-12 overall record.
With a non-conference record of 13-21, a conference record of 34-29 and only 1 win in 14 games against Top 25 opponents, Brady Hoke entered the wonderful world of Michigan Football head coaching. Let's crunch these numbers even further and give them more of a feeling. Hoke's 13-21 conference record came against two conferences, the MAC and the MWC. Neither of these conferences at the time were BCS automatic qualifiers and currently neither are one of the power five conferences. Hoke only won the MAC once and that was in his final season with Ball State. Before Michigan Hoke had only 3 winning seasons out of 8 total.
Try to convince anyone that Hoke's numbers don't back him up is met with a stern hand. Scanning through articles, all report about how Hoke was well recieved by Michigan because he A.) worked for the school as DE coach and DL coach from 1995-2002 and B.) fit the mold of Michigan man. Brady Hoke has also been rported to be a great recruiter. The reason for Hoke's hiring at Michigan in the word's of Michigan AD Dave Brandon are as follows "The reason I wanted him to be prominent in this process was simply the combination of turning around two programs, being known as a terrific recruiter, and being a defensive-minded coach with a lot of experience. Everybody that I ever talked to just raved about the quality of person he is and how much he loves Michigan."
Let's break this down. Turning around of two programs? Ball State went from one of the worst teams to take the field on Saturday to a mediocre team. They went 12-2 in Hoke's best season and i'll be honest, winning 12 games anywhere in college football is an accomplishment but Ball State was not turned around. After going 12-2 in 2008, in 2009 Ball State went 2-10. Before Hoke's best season he led the Cardinal's to one winning season. 2 winning seasons in 6. Ball State has not been a team anyone should fear since. Promptly leaving for San Diego State he went 4-8 then 9-4. The program was not turned around but did win at least 8 games since Hoke each season heading into this season, which is about where they were before Hoke. You can blame other coaches after Hoke but the standards for turning around a program should be more than 3 winning seasons in 8.
As for Hoke's recruiting that's an entirely different story. Let's jump ahead to his Michigan recruiting classes. Hoke's recruiting class broke the Top 25 rankings in 2012 at 7, the 2013 class was 6th, the 2014 class was ranked 18th. The 2011 team that went 11-2 was made of mostly Rich Rodriguez recruits, the 2012 team that went 8-5 was about half and half, and the 2013 team (7-6) was mostly Hoke's recruits. Hoke's excuses? We're a young team. While that may be relevant when it comes to experience on the field but not for development. By the time your big primary recruits hit the big stage they should be well groomed for success and here at Michigan they havent been. This in lies the answer to why Michigan and Brady Hoke have fallen
Recruiting the big names looks great on paper, just as i'm sure a big slice of pizza looks to a diabetic. Yeah it may feel great when its obtained, but the effects after aren't pretty. Getting the big name recruits is great but if they are not developed, kept humble, and learned in the ways of how to succeed then they'll always be mediocre. To be a success at recruitng you have to convince the recruit one, and two you have to recruit for your system. If you don't fill the spots with guys who are quality athletes and you know will thrive in your system then you'll always be 7-6. Recruit the guys who have chips on their shoulder, who were left out of the picture at big SEC schools. Grab those guys, they're the hungry ones who will thrive when given direction, not the 5 star recruits who have only heard that they're the best thing since sliced bread. That's Michigan's problem; no development. Hoke's downfal began then and it's only gotten worse since.
Hoke drove the Wolverine feel good bus to 11-2 and their first BCS Bowl victory since 2000. Those two losses? At Michigan State and at Iowa. In a season where Michigan had 8 home games, they went 2-2 on the road and 2-1 against rivals. The Wolverines beat hated rival Ohio State who went 6-6 that year. Michigan beat a mediocre Ohio State, the first time in 8 years in a rivalry game that hadn't been much of a rivalry recently. Also the Wolverines lost a spot in the first Big Ten Championship game to in-state rival Michigan State. But hey they won a BCS Bowl against a barely above average Virginia Tech and beat Ohio State so all was good in Ann Arbor.
For Hoke's sequel, the Wolverines hit a pot hole dropping the bus to 8-5. Coming in ranked 8th in the country where they were squashed easily by #1 Alabama. The much hyped Michigan Team lost 41-14 on the national stage. The team lost to Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, and South Carolina. The team also barely escaped, Air Force and Northwestern. Winning their weak schedule but losing all the tough games was a sure sign of things to come for the Wolverines.
It was. Michigan's 2013 campaign began by rolling Central Michigan and Notre Dame at home but barely escaping Akron and Connecticut in back to back weeks. With Michigan's talent from recruiting they should have rolled into East Lansing 7-0 but instead they lost to upstart Penn State and gave up 47 points to Indiana the week after in a 63-47 shootout and then were crushed 29-6 by MSU. Michigan's stat line against MSU? -48 rushing yards. MSU drowned the Wolverines in a defensive hell-fire and Michigan looked like a glorified high school team. Michigan went on to win 1 of the next 5 games.
Brady Hoke stated when he took the Michigan job that his goal was to win the Big Ten title. He hasn't come close. In the 3 Big Ten Championship games, Michigan has not reached one, while in state rival MSU has reached 2 of 3. Michigan has gone 4-5 against rivals. Those rivals being Michigan State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Which I guess is an improvement from Rich Rod's 2-7 record against those 3 teams. Brady Hoke put an emphasis on beating Ohio State yet could only do it against a mediocre 6-6 version of Ohio State. Hoke is 1-2 against MSU. Hoke has seen this talented team fall apart and his been at the helm of the collapse of the program he loves so much. And to top it all off, Michigan started this season 2-3 losing to Notre Dame by a score of 31-0, lost to Utah at home, and then turned around and lost to Minnesota. Something that's only happened twice in 24 years. Michigan also lost 3 games before October for the first time in 135 years of football at the university. To place the cherry on this clustered sundae is the Shane Morris incident.
Shane Morris, Michigan's back up QB, statred the Minnesota game on a bad leg and was highly ineffective. The offense having gone no where throughout the season remained its usual self and Morris should've been pulled long before we reached the hit. After firing a pass, Morris was targeted by the Gopher's Cochran, who hit Morris square in the chin. Morris came up visibly shaken, and stumbling around he fell into his lineman's arms. That screams concussion to me. Michigan teammates were waving for trainers but Morris himself waved off trainers and stayed for another play. Upon the play resulting in an incompletion Morris stumbled to the sidelines. Devin Gardner taking Morris's place ran the Michigan offense for two plays before losing his helmet therefore having to be taken out of the game. Russell Bellomy,Gardner's would be replament, could not find his helmet so injured QB Shane Morris was re-entered into the game!!!! A kid with a possible (probable) concussion gets reentered into the game. Disgusting. With all the concussion research and brain damage issues stemming from football, a player with a probable concussion should not reenter the game for any reason. Hoke's excuse after the game for Shane Morris reentering the game was that he didn't see the play and that he assumed protocol was followed by medical staff. No one can delve into Hoke's memory to see if he witnessed the play but to assume that medical action was taken is incompetence. Hoke surely must know that protocol takes longer than 2 minutes. In the NHL, players with concussion symptoms are put into a dark room for 25 minutes. 25 minutes!!!! Not 2!! Under Hoke's command this program has failed to reach full potential and put players at risk. WR Devin Funchess may never play the same again after suffering an injury at the blowout loss to Notre Dame, after he was kept in. This program needs a change and Hoke must go as well as Dave Brandon. Neither has shown they can handle the program Michigan claims to be. Hoke's record long before his hiring at Michigan should have kept him from receiving the job. But hey he's a Michigan man.
What a great plan. Good Luck Ann Arbor.
-Stephen
Hoke left his alma mater for Sand Diego State in December of 2009 and in his year of preaching toughness, he and the Aztecs went 4-8 with a 2-6 conference record. The second year the Aztecs compiled a record of 9-4 and 5-3 in conference. Hoke's Aztecs won the Poinsettia Bowl bashing Navy 35-14. Michigan came calling in the off-season and Hoke left for the school that gave him his longest experiences in coaching. What Hoke left behind at San Diego State? 1-5 against Top 25 opponents, 1 bowl game appearance and win,
7-9 conference record, and a 6-3 non-conference record for a 13-12 overall record.
With a non-conference record of 13-21, a conference record of 34-29 and only 1 win in 14 games against Top 25 opponents, Brady Hoke entered the wonderful world of Michigan Football head coaching. Let's crunch these numbers even further and give them more of a feeling. Hoke's 13-21 conference record came against two conferences, the MAC and the MWC. Neither of these conferences at the time were BCS automatic qualifiers and currently neither are one of the power five conferences. Hoke only won the MAC once and that was in his final season with Ball State. Before Michigan Hoke had only 3 winning seasons out of 8 total.
Try to convince anyone that Hoke's numbers don't back him up is met with a stern hand. Scanning through articles, all report about how Hoke was well recieved by Michigan because he A.) worked for the school as DE coach and DL coach from 1995-2002 and B.) fit the mold of Michigan man. Brady Hoke has also been rported to be a great recruiter. The reason for Hoke's hiring at Michigan in the word's of Michigan AD Dave Brandon are as follows "The reason I wanted him to be prominent in this process was simply the combination of turning around two programs, being known as a terrific recruiter, and being a defensive-minded coach with a lot of experience. Everybody that I ever talked to just raved about the quality of person he is and how much he loves Michigan."
Let's break this down. Turning around of two programs? Ball State went from one of the worst teams to take the field on Saturday to a mediocre team. They went 12-2 in Hoke's best season and i'll be honest, winning 12 games anywhere in college football is an accomplishment but Ball State was not turned around. After going 12-2 in 2008, in 2009 Ball State went 2-10. Before Hoke's best season he led the Cardinal's to one winning season. 2 winning seasons in 6. Ball State has not been a team anyone should fear since. Promptly leaving for San Diego State he went 4-8 then 9-4. The program was not turned around but did win at least 8 games since Hoke each season heading into this season, which is about where they were before Hoke. You can blame other coaches after Hoke but the standards for turning around a program should be more than 3 winning seasons in 8.
As for Hoke's recruiting that's an entirely different story. Let's jump ahead to his Michigan recruiting classes. Hoke's recruiting class broke the Top 25 rankings in 2012 at 7, the 2013 class was 6th, the 2014 class was ranked 18th. The 2011 team that went 11-2 was made of mostly Rich Rodriguez recruits, the 2012 team that went 8-5 was about half and half, and the 2013 team (7-6) was mostly Hoke's recruits. Hoke's excuses? We're a young team. While that may be relevant when it comes to experience on the field but not for development. By the time your big primary recruits hit the big stage they should be well groomed for success and here at Michigan they havent been. This in lies the answer to why Michigan and Brady Hoke have fallen
Recruiting the big names looks great on paper, just as i'm sure a big slice of pizza looks to a diabetic. Yeah it may feel great when its obtained, but the effects after aren't pretty. Getting the big name recruits is great but if they are not developed, kept humble, and learned in the ways of how to succeed then they'll always be mediocre. To be a success at recruitng you have to convince the recruit one, and two you have to recruit for your system. If you don't fill the spots with guys who are quality athletes and you know will thrive in your system then you'll always be 7-6. Recruit the guys who have chips on their shoulder, who were left out of the picture at big SEC schools. Grab those guys, they're the hungry ones who will thrive when given direction, not the 5 star recruits who have only heard that they're the best thing since sliced bread. That's Michigan's problem; no development. Hoke's downfal began then and it's only gotten worse since.
Hoke drove the Wolverine feel good bus to 11-2 and their first BCS Bowl victory since 2000. Those two losses? At Michigan State and at Iowa. In a season where Michigan had 8 home games, they went 2-2 on the road and 2-1 against rivals. The Wolverines beat hated rival Ohio State who went 6-6 that year. Michigan beat a mediocre Ohio State, the first time in 8 years in a rivalry game that hadn't been much of a rivalry recently. Also the Wolverines lost a spot in the first Big Ten Championship game to in-state rival Michigan State. But hey they won a BCS Bowl against a barely above average Virginia Tech and beat Ohio State so all was good in Ann Arbor.
For Hoke's sequel, the Wolverines hit a pot hole dropping the bus to 8-5. Coming in ranked 8th in the country where they were squashed easily by #1 Alabama. The much hyped Michigan Team lost 41-14 on the national stage. The team lost to Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, and South Carolina. The team also barely escaped, Air Force and Northwestern. Winning their weak schedule but losing all the tough games was a sure sign of things to come for the Wolverines.
It was. Michigan's 2013 campaign began by rolling Central Michigan and Notre Dame at home but barely escaping Akron and Connecticut in back to back weeks. With Michigan's talent from recruiting they should have rolled into East Lansing 7-0 but instead they lost to upstart Penn State and gave up 47 points to Indiana the week after in a 63-47 shootout and then were crushed 29-6 by MSU. Michigan's stat line against MSU? -48 rushing yards. MSU drowned the Wolverines in a defensive hell-fire and Michigan looked like a glorified high school team. Michigan went on to win 1 of the next 5 games.
Brady Hoke stated when he took the Michigan job that his goal was to win the Big Ten title. He hasn't come close. In the 3 Big Ten Championship games, Michigan has not reached one, while in state rival MSU has reached 2 of 3. Michigan has gone 4-5 against rivals. Those rivals being Michigan State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Which I guess is an improvement from Rich Rod's 2-7 record against those 3 teams. Brady Hoke put an emphasis on beating Ohio State yet could only do it against a mediocre 6-6 version of Ohio State. Hoke is 1-2 against MSU. Hoke has seen this talented team fall apart and his been at the helm of the collapse of the program he loves so much. And to top it all off, Michigan started this season 2-3 losing to Notre Dame by a score of 31-0, lost to Utah at home, and then turned around and lost to Minnesota. Something that's only happened twice in 24 years. Michigan also lost 3 games before October for the first time in 135 years of football at the university. To place the cherry on this clustered sundae is the Shane Morris incident.
Shane Morris, Michigan's back up QB, statred the Minnesota game on a bad leg and was highly ineffective. The offense having gone no where throughout the season remained its usual self and Morris should've been pulled long before we reached the hit. After firing a pass, Morris was targeted by the Gopher's Cochran, who hit Morris square in the chin. Morris came up visibly shaken, and stumbling around he fell into his lineman's arms. That screams concussion to me. Michigan teammates were waving for trainers but Morris himself waved off trainers and stayed for another play. Upon the play resulting in an incompletion Morris stumbled to the sidelines. Devin Gardner taking Morris's place ran the Michigan offense for two plays before losing his helmet therefore having to be taken out of the game. Russell Bellomy,Gardner's would be replament, could not find his helmet so injured QB Shane Morris was re-entered into the game!!!! A kid with a possible (probable) concussion gets reentered into the game. Disgusting. With all the concussion research and brain damage issues stemming from football, a player with a probable concussion should not reenter the game for any reason. Hoke's excuse after the game for Shane Morris reentering the game was that he didn't see the play and that he assumed protocol was followed by medical staff. No one can delve into Hoke's memory to see if he witnessed the play but to assume that medical action was taken is incompetence. Hoke surely must know that protocol takes longer than 2 minutes. In the NHL, players with concussion symptoms are put into a dark room for 25 minutes. 25 minutes!!!! Not 2!! Under Hoke's command this program has failed to reach full potential and put players at risk. WR Devin Funchess may never play the same again after suffering an injury at the blowout loss to Notre Dame, after he was kept in. This program needs a change and Hoke must go as well as Dave Brandon. Neither has shown they can handle the program Michigan claims to be. Hoke's record long before his hiring at Michigan should have kept him from receiving the job. But hey he's a Michigan man.
What a great plan. Good Luck Ann Arbor.
-Stephen
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