Doc’s Big Ten Update
This Past week a lot of eyes were focused on two "State" schools,
wondering just how good they really are. After Saturday's results, the
poll is in. No question these two will win their share of games. The
two schools I'm speaking of are Penn State and Iowa State.
Although Penn State did go down in defeat, they certainly showed
character as they were behind by 22 points in the fourth quarter, only
to tie it up and eventually lose in overtime. QB Zach Mills had an
outstanding day, as he completed 23 of 44 passes for a school-record 399
yards. Three of his four touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter to
three different players with the same last name of Johnson.
This week the Nittany Lions are on the road against Wisconsin. The
Badgers are tagged as a 2½ point favorite. I thought the line just
might come in a little steeper. Wisconsin had off this past week, a
well-needed rest, as they did have a few minor injuries. One note
concerning this match-up, Coach Alvarez has had a high percentage of
winners after a week's rest.
A big win for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Of course anytime one goes into
‘Happy Valley' and wins, it has to be big. As you looks at the
statistics of this game, "Hawk" followers have to be happy, as the
offense was really balanced. Time of possession was certainly on the
Iowa side as they had the ball nine minutes longer. I thought the line
played an outstanding game for the "Hawks". At the start of the season
I felt that Iowa and Wisconsin would have the two best offensive lines
in the Big Ten. No question this Iowa crew is the best.
Iowa is back home this week against Purdue. A big game for Iowa. A win here and they are on the way of finishing high in the Big Ten. Could this Hawkeye team be the Illinois of last
year? I wouldn't be surprised. Their schedule is favorable as they
don't play Ohio State or Illinois. Obviously anything can happen, but
the ‘Hawks' biggest blockade could be on October 26 when they visit
Michigan. I'm sure Iowa is elated as they are in the AP ratings for the
first time since 1997. However first things first. We'll be taking a
good look at the Iowa - Purdue matchup.
Speaking of Purdue, the ‘Boilers' did have a nice win at home against
Minnesota. I did have a chance to watch this game and I thought both
teams played very poorly. The bright spot for Purdue was Joey Harris,
who ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota's offense looked
confused, gaining only 83 yeards on the ground and only completing 16
passes in 48 attempts.
The Gophers are at home this week in a more friendly atmosphere. The
game has been changed and will be played this Thursday evening, October
3rd. I think Minnesota will bounce back here and beat the Illini. In
fact if this game was on a Saturday schedule, I would have to consider
it as a release. The Gophers opened up as a 3½ point favorite.
Illinois played well against Michigan in the first quarter. After that
it was all "Wolves". The Illini did have over 100 yards more on offense
than Michigan, but they had five turnovers, which simply did them in.
Michigan needed a big scoring affair, as they were second to last in
scoring in the Big Ten. Michigan has a bye this week and then plays
Penn State at home in two weeks.
In other Big Ten action, Ohio State pounded Indiana. Of course that
was no big surprise. Freshman Maurice Clarett picked up right where he
left off before his knee injury. After missing a week, Clarett ran for
104 yards and scored three times. The three touchdowns gave Clarett
nine in just four games, which is the most by a Buckeye freshman in one
season in more than half a century.
The ‘Bucks' are on the road this week against Northwestern. Ohio State
is a 23 point favorite and should have its way. The ‘Wildcat' rush
defense is a sieve. Wouldn't be surprised if Clarett gets over 200
yards.
Michigan State has this week off before they invade Iowa next week.
This ‘Spartan' team continues to be unpredictable. I was surprised
Northwestern put up the numbers they did against the Spartans. The
biggest surprise was the number of yards on the ground. Is there
trouble brewing in East Lansing? Next week's game against Iowa will
give us an indication as to the direction in which this Michigan State
team is heading for the rest of the season. If they lose, it could be
to the tank. If they win, a winning streak is definitely possible.
This is the time of the year when we start looking ahead to spotting
our Big Ten Game of the Year. Over the years, the game usually came in
late October or early November. As I look at this schedule, it will
probably occur about the same time. Obviously we try to find the best
game possible. It's nerve racking waiting for just the right choice.
We must have patience.
As conference play continues, following the Big Ten as much as I do,
it's amazing how it continues to set up and how things change. At the
start of the season I felt Michigan State had a good chance to win the
conference. That certainly has changed. Who's the favorite now?
Certainly have to favor Michigan. Defense has always been there and the
offense is starting to gel.
Ohio State has a chance, however the lack of a passing attack could be
a problem. They certainly are a contender!
How about Wisconsin? Must get Evans back and their tough schedule
could be a problem.
The sleeper, of course, is Iowa!
I see in the papers the Big Ten Conference will not punish Penn State
coach Joe Paterno for grabbing an official after the Nittany Lions' loss
to Iowa. Paterno chased down referee Dick Honig as the officiating crew was leaving the field. Television replays showed Paterno put a hand on
Honig's shoulder, spun him around and yelled at him.
"According to Dick Honig, there was nothing that crossed the line,"
said David Parry, the Big Ten's supervisor of officials.
"There was nothing vicious or hateful. He (Paterno) just wanted to get
clarification on two calls at the end of the game."
After all these years, isn't it ironic that a man that is in his 70's,
can get that emotionally tied up in the game of football. Like so many
other coaches the real factor in winning is pride.
Short schedule in the Big Ten this week, however we will be on two
games. One of them could be our College game of the year. Hope you are
on board!