Big Ten in bowl games this year

[Bossgobbler23]

I was watching the Big Ten Network (prior to the Wisconsin loss to Fla St.) and Donardo and the other guy were making bowl predictions on the Big Ten bowl games. One guy said the Big Ten would go 1-6 and the other 2-5. My guess is also 2-5. What do you think?

[elno lewis]

WE might not win any. Very down year for the Big Ten. I see tosue losing and jopa losing and northwestern losing and minny losing. MSU has a chance if moreno gets the flu.

[Mich97c]

Iowa has a shot. The rest will be murdered.

[blueisbetterthanred]

Iowa has a shot. The rest will be murdered.

Welcome to Bizzaro World!

[nc wolverine]

0 wins in bowl games
wisc looked pathetic
osu gets beat by 21
psu keeps it close but looses
iowa maybe
msu looses by 17
minnesota looses big
northwestern gives up 52 points

i didnt pick a single big ten team in espn's bowl mania ( kinda sad)

[GoGreen23]

Honestly I only thought that Iowa had a shot against South Carolina at the beginning of bowl season. Now after watching Wisconsin get routed by Florida State, I still think we'll go 1-6 with Iowa being the only win. Maybe we'll get an upset or two but not enough to repair our tarnished conference image.

Penn State will lose a close game to USC

OSU will lose by 10 to Texas

MSU will lose to Georgia by 7

Minnesota will lose and so will Northwestern.

[Sten Carlson]

Honestly I only thought that Iowa had a shot against South Carolina at the beginning of bowl season. Now after watching Wisconsin get routed by Florida State, I still think we'll go 1-6 with Iowa being the only win. Maybe we'll get an upset or two but not enough to repair our tarnished conference image.

Penn State will lose a close game to USC

OSU will lose by 10 to Texas

MSU will lose to Georgia by 7

Minnesota will lose and so will Northwestern.

I think PSU will win a close, defensive struggle, with Royster being the difference maker.

OSU gets beat by Texas handily, maybe by 21 or more, I think MSU plays UGA close, but then fades late to lose by 7-10. I think Minn and NW get humiliated just like Wisconsin did.

All and all, the Big 10 is, once again, really looking bad. PSU will be a saving grace, IMO, and make a statement that they belong among the elite teams, but without a very strong showing (and a victory) by OSU, I think the national media will again crucify the Big 10.

I cannot, and will not root for OSU, however, I'll be cheering my butt off for Joe Pa and his Nitney Lions!

Hook Em Horns and Go

[Hawks]

Iowa has a shot. The rest will be murdered.

Nices thing ever said about Iowa on this board.

I think Penn State has a good chance.
The rest, except Iowa, are a long shot.

[tpilews]

OSU will lose by 10 to Texas

MSU will lose to Georgia by 7

Minnesota will lose and so will Northwestern.

I agree with you Green. I will add though, that if tuos only loses by 10, I'll consider that a victory for the Big10. However, I don't think it'll be that close.

[TNTWolverine]

People forget what can happen during a long christmas break. Did any of you recognize the Michigan team last Jan 1?

[tpilews]

People forget what can happen during a long christmas break. Did any of you recognize the Michigan team last Jan 1?

Yeah, it's pretty crazy what being healthy can do for a team. UM wasn't THAT different. They added a few end arounds and opened up the field with three/four receiver sets. Most of all, UM just executed well. That was the UM that could have contended for the NC.

[Mich97c]

People forget what can happen during a long christmas break. Did any of you recognize the Michigan team last Jan 1?

I also remember a fat and lazy 06 team showing up to the Rose Bowl.

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

Congrats to Northwestern for making that a great bowl game to watch and hanging in there with the Big 12. Between that and the Rutgers game, it made for a very entertaining evening/night. I would have to say the best two Bowl games so far.

[Medic]

If only NW hadn't missed that PAT.......

[rickyleach]

1 win in the big10 and that will be iowa, like corso always says forget about it...

[LAMfan]

Congrats to Northwestern for making that a great bowl game to watch and hanging in there with the Big 12. Between that and the Rutgers game, it made for a very entertaining evening/night. I would have to say the best two Bowl games so far.

I share your opinion about a job well done, and good game, but also thought Northwestern looked just like a typical B10 team that falls just short.

By that I mean, for most of the game, O vs D, D vs O, the balance is in our favor. But add special teams play and the B10 team falls flat. Field position from punting was horrible for NW. The missed PAT and field goal and that return for TD account for 11 pts! Didn't like the play calling late either, real conservative. A QB draw on 2nd down from the 9 in OT?

Also, after the broadcasters reported that the NW DC told his defense that they should only key on the pass, Mizzou ran a lot more. Wonder if the message got from the broadcast to the bench.

[Bossgobbler23]

I'm watching the Minnesota game right now. So far so good 14-7. I didn't think this one would be close at all. Hope they put one in the win colum for the Big Ten. NW done well last night. Too bad about the missed extra point, it cost them.

[Bossgobbler23]

Oops, I spoke too soon and jinxed them.

[elno lewis]

Big Ten sewks in bowl games.

We could lose all of them.

Bring me Delaney's head on a platter.

[Bossgobbler23]

Big Ten sewks in bowl games.

We could lose all of them.

Bring me Delaney's head on a platter.

This is true but the last two years we have gotten some tough draws. We have been the underdog in most of the match ups. I wonder what the record is against the point spread which compensates for such?

[Medic]

I may be wrong, but watching Penn State get undressed 24-7 with USC about to score again....may put this years Big10 conference as the worst ever.

Wisconsin, Minnesota, and MSU all got embarrassed. Hoyer is worthless.

Honestly, in 3+ decades of watching the Big10, I can't remember a year where the teams looked so shitty overall against other conferences.

[Sten Carlson]

I may be wrong, but watching Penn State get undressed 24-7 with USC about to score again....may put this years Big10 conference as the worst ever.

Wisconsin, Minnesota, and MSU all got embarrassed. Hoyer is worthless.

Honestly, in 3+ decades of watching the Big10, I can't remember a year where the teams looked so shitty overall against other conferences.

No doubt! Thank goodness for the Hawkeyes, who looked very good.

Watching that first half of the Rose Bowl I just cannot help but wish there was a playoff and this was the first round of games -- I really want to see USC play Oklahoma! The Trojans look amazing, on both sides of the ball -- how can they be so fucking good?!? Pete Carroll and his boys look like they're having so much more fun than any other team I've watched, past or present.

I fucking hate them, but man, you have to respect what they've been able to do over the past 7 or 8 years!

[Mich97c]

No doubt! Thank goodness for the Hawkeyes, who looked very good.

Watching that first half of the Rose Bowl I just cannot help but wish there was a playoff and this was the first round of games -- I really want to see USC play Oklahoma! The Trojans look amazing, on both sides of the ball -- how can they be so fucking good?!? Pete Carroll and his boys look like they're having so much more fun than any other team I've watched, past or present.

I fucking hate them, but man, you have to respect what they've been able to do over the past 7 or 8 years!

Look at their roster - it's like an all star team. Scary thing is their entire offense will be back next year. That's really bad news for the poopeyes breaking in a new defense next season.

[rickyleach]

one word to describe the big10 in 2008 , SAD, CANT WAIT FOR OHIO STATE TO GET KILLED...TOOOOO....

[The Michigan Man]

No doubt! Thank goodness for the Hawkeyes, who looked very good.

Watching that first half of the Rose Bowl I just cannot help but wish there was a playoff and this was the first round of games -- I really want to see USC play Oklahoma! The Trojans look amazing, on both sides of the ball -- how can they be so fucking good?!? Pete Carroll and his boys look like they're having so much more fun than any other team I've watched, past or present.

I fucking hate them, but man, you have to respect what they've been able to do over the past 7 or 8 years!

The BCS makes me sick to my stomach. PSU, USC, Texas, and Alabama are all playing in meaningless bowls with nothing at stake.

Handpicking OK and Florida just blows. 8 team playoff = 7 games on 3 Saturdays with 1 undisputed winner. Get it f*cking done already.

Excuse me, I have to go, don't want to miss any of the thrilling Cinci vs. VT game...

[1OSUNUT]

I still happen to think USC and Florida are the best two teams in the nation. I just cannot get over the fact that they look so unbeatable then lose to teams like Oregon State and Ole Miss. When they are focused and have time to game plan - they show up and play. You can say all you want about the amount of talent they have - you still have to get them to play. Carroll and Meyer might be the best in the nation at getting their teams ready for a BIG game. I happen to think Florida runs Oklahoma out of the stadium.

[osusteve]

I realize the BCS Championship game will produce the national champion.
But...Let's say Ohio State badly beats Texas Monday night (by at least a couple touchdowns) and then Oklahoma narrowly defeats Florida. Texas had soundly beaten Oklahoma in October on a neutral field.
Wouldn't USC at least have a claim to being the National Champion? The criticism of USC was because they played in the "weak" Pac-10 and lost to a supposedly weak Oregon State.
It is shocking that USC seems to lose one game each year to a mediocre opponent. When it is an important game against a great opponent; however, they are then very interested and focused and destroy the other team. They are bored playing everyone else. I have to believe they are the best team in the country this year.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

This is what happens when U-M is down, everyone basically moves up one bowl slot and this they get torched. Iowa was the only team that peaked at the right time, so they were able to take advantage of a favorable matchup. Until Michigan finds our feet again, the big 10 will continue to take a pounding.
Also, it would have helped if illinois was as good as they should have been this season.

[goblue]

USC looked unbeatable today. After the game a reporter asked Carroll if he wished he had a chance to play Oklahoma or Florida. After giving respect to both programs, he said he didn't think any of those teams could beat USC. He very well could be right.

Michigan State played tough in the first half. But Georgia's talent overwhelmed them in the second half. Hoyer s ucks. A good qb would have given MSU a chance to win. Hoyer was missing open receivers all day long. I think Mark Dell would be one of the better receivers in the country if he was on a good team with a good qb.

I thought it was mainly Ohio State. But it's looking like the Big Ten can't compete with any of the top teams. Iowa got a big win. But it was against a 7-5 lower tier team of the SEC.

[bigboyBlue]

Lets face it peeps, the Big Ten sucks, top to bottom. Teams like Minny and freakin NW have no business making Bowl games, though NW did play well given their talent. At the very least, our Top, BCS bound teams should be competitive with anyone in the country. The result of the OSU-Texas game is almost pointless now. And this when the Big-Ten was supposedly senior laden, though the lack of decent QBs has killed us too. Say what you want, things were better in the days of the Big Two and the Little Nine. Hopefully order will restore itself soon.

Oh, and I've had too much to drink....

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

Lets face it peeps, the Big Ten sucks, top to bottom. Teams like Minny and freakin NW have no business making Bowl games, though NW did play well given their talent. At the very least, our Top, BCS bound teams should be competitive with anyone in the country. The result of the OSU-Texas game is almost pointless now. And this when the Big-Ten was supposedly senior laden, though the lack of decent QBs has killed us too. Say what you want, things were better in the days of the Big Two and the Little Nine. Hopefully order will restore itself soon.

Oh, and I've had too much to drink....

I'll admit, I've been a little bit in denial about the whole "big-ten overated" thing. To be honest, I'm not sure if about half of the teams in the lower half of top 25 should even be ranked.

I wanna stick it to these teams in the top 10 so bad.....man..it's gonna feel great. Plus, it will shut these "know-it-all" sportscasters/announcers up real quick.(or will they be in denial as well......hmmmm)

[elno lewis]

Big Ten is not overrated. We suck. Everyone knows it. We got set up in just about every bowl game. It will be our turn again someday.

If OSU loses, my prediction will be perfrect.

Northwestern against Mizzou? Yeah, right.

Georgia against Little Sister? Rape in progress.

USC vs. PSU=Old man rape.

The Wiscy Banned is better than the football team.

Minnie Sota? Don't gophers live underground?

[tpilews]

Big Ten is not overrated. We suck. Everyone knows it. We got set up in just about every bowl game. It will be our turn again someday.

If OSU loses, my prediction will be perfrect.

Northwestern against Mizzou? Yeah, right.

Georgia against Little Sister? Rape in progress.

USC vs. PSU=Old man rape.

The Wiscy Banned is better than the football team.

Minnie Sota? Don't gophers live underground?

I agree with you that the Big Ten got set up to fail this bowl season. Looking at some of the numbers it becomes a little more clear and the losses don't look as bad.

MSU held Georgia to over 100 less yards of offense than Georgia averaged throughout their season. With any type of decent qb play from MSU, they should've won. Their offense was inept because Georgia stacked the box against Ringer and Hoyer couldn't hit his receivers. When he did, on one drive, MSU moved the ball and scored their only TD.

Iowa looked good on D and was able to put some points on the board.

NWU held Mizzou to over 180 less yards of offense than they averaged. Unfortunately, NWU forgot to show up for the second half.

Wisconsin, run heavy offense, against the 16th best defense in the land. Just a bad, really bad matchup.

USC is just a far superior team to any Big Ten team. The way USC played yesterday, they'd truly beat any team in the nation. It's just upsetting that we can't see that scenario played out in a playoff.

[Uncle Rico]

USC vs Florida THIS YEAR, right now, would be awesome! I would actually become a Florida fan, just for 1 day :D

[Bossgobbler23]

The Big Ten has not gotten even strengthed opponents in the bowls for a couple of years now. It seems if we send our 4th place team to play a bowl we get the other guys 2nd place as the opponent, etc... The SEC gets weaker opponents all the time to bolster their myth. The truth is they only had 2 REALLY good teams this year.

[Sten Carlson]

USC vs Florida THIS YEAR, right now, would be awesome! I would actually become a Florida fan, just for 1 day :D

I would love to see a four team round robin between USC, UF, Texas, and Oklahoma -- I know that will NEVER happen, but it would be pretty neat to see.

At the very least I would like to see something other than what he witnessed yesterday. PSU really let the Big 10 down with their performance, or lack there of (not that Michigan has done much better vs. the Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl!).

I am certainly not making excuses for PSU, Michigan, or the Big 10's historical performance in the Rose Bowl, but I really don't think the playing field is level when it comes to playing USC in the Rose Bowl. We've discussed this in here before, but I saw something very familiar in the eyes of the PSU players yesterday -- a wide-eyed, awe struck, and pacified look. I don't think this look has very much to do with the USC Trojans football team as these guys are all well schooled in how to prepare for a football game. I think it has a lot more to do with going from snowbound and freezing Happy Valley, or Ann Arbor, to sunny southern California, the beach, Disney Land, etc., after having a month off. To me, it's like a huge culture shock for these kids, and it shows in their performance on the field year in and year out. I know PSU travels well, and there were a lot of Nittany Lions fans there, but whether they wear white or maroon, USC is always playing a home game in the Rose Bowl.

The last team to beat USC in the Rose Bowl was Texas, led by an amazing individual effort on the part of Vince Young. The Longhorns come from Austin, and as I sit here and type this, it is 70 and not a cloud in the sky, a lot like the weather in L.A. I am sure that the Texas teamed enjoyed the beach, but anyone that has endured a mid-western winter knows that there is something almost dreamlike when you're on the beach in shorts in late December or January, and that "dreamlike" state does not just wear off, and obviously has not been conducive to putting a prepared, motivated, and highly effective Big 10 football team on the field. For USC, all these factors are moot -- it's like any other game.

Again, I am not making excuses, but this year it was very easy to see what I am describing, perhaps because it was PSU and not Michigan so although I wanted PSU to win, there really wasn't an emotional attachment to the outcome. I know the reasons why everyone is forced to play Bowl games in the south or California, but it just seems so unfair to me that USC has nothing to deal with but the game itself, while their opponents have many other factors at play. Even a Florida team going to Miami or Orlando has a little bit of travel and such to deal with, while USC players are sleeping in their own beds then night before the game.

I respect the hell out of USC and Pete Carroll for that they've done on the field over the past several years. But, I am sick to death of them being coddled and fawned over by the media, when they basically have almost no chance of losing in the Rose Bowl.

[Hawks]

No doubt! Thank goodness for the Hawkeyes, who looked very good.

Watching that first half of the Rose Bowl I just cannot help but wish there was a playoff and this was the first round of games -- I really want to see USC play Oklahoma! The Trojans look amazing, on both sides of the ball -- how can they be so fucking good?!? Pete Carroll and his boys look like they're having so much more fun than any other team I've watched, past or present.

I fucking hate them, but man, you have to respect what they've been able to do over the past 7 or 8 years!

ahhhh yes:D

[blueisbetterthanred]

If the USC game yesterday doesn't create a playoff system, I don't know what will. Maybe them being such media darlings will do some good now. He can make a case for being the best team in the nation and possibly steal the coaches poll. If that happens, that has to make college football wake up and change things... doesn't it??

It was a decent game to watch once they took their foot off the gas, but it was ugly until then. They could have scored 70 points if they tried.

[Blue In Ohio]

The match up problem seems to be there year after year. Last year it blew up in their faces when Michigan beat Florida. Seems like year after year they place 7-4 big ten teams agains 10 and 11 win teams from other conferences just to prove a point the big ten is weak and the Sec is dominant. I think bowl wins are more a result of getting favorable match ups than anything. Funny the big tens only victory came against the sec. What excuse will they make for that. The hawks weren't exactly looked at like one of the top teams in the conference. Then again I've heard so many times over on here how the big east is so weak and rr has to step up the game to coach in the big ten. I don't see the big ten being any better than the big east this year. I don't think coaching in the big ten will be to much a challenge if it continues to play like this. Maybe we were better off not being a part of this bowl season this year.

[The Michigan Man]

ahhhh yes:D

Hawks - we beat you up a lot (and will continue to do so), but I must congratulate the Hawkeyes on a very good bowl performance in defeating the mighty Gamecocks (is that 2 words or 1? Oh well).

With your wins over PSU and the SEC, you have a reason to hold your head up, and I hereby grant you an honorary share of Big-10 Championship this year for representing the conference in an excellent manner.

[rickyleach]

this years bowl games are the big wake up call for the big10 ,1 and 6 just isnt getting it done ,wait until ohio state gets their butts handed to them ,we will then sink to a all time low..but hey help is on the way and it will take rich rod to lead the way ,

[Bossgobbler23]

A plus one playoff would've been nice with USC in there. I knew if Penn State done their usual slow start they would get bombed. Texas Tech just got blasted by Mississippi which brings up the question about why Oklahoma is in the NC and not Texas. I know this guy beat that one and that one beat this one but head to head should count for something. As for the Big Ten, yes Hawks, your Iowa team is the only shining start this year, congrats! I see your RB is going pro. He is a good one.

[joeismyname]

A plus one playoff would've been nice with USC in there. I knew if Penn State done their usual slow start they would get bombed. Texas Tech just got blasted by Mississippi which brings up the question about why Oklahoma is in the NC and not Texas. I know this guy beat that one and that one beat this one but head to head should count for something. As for the Big Ten, yes Hawks, your Iowa team is the only shining start this year, congrats! I see your RB is going pro. He is a good one.

I don't understand your whole Ole Miss beating Texas Tech means that Texas should be in the NC game. Texas Tech beat Texas, and Oklahoma blasted Texas tech way worse than Ole Miss did. I understand why you think Texas should be in the NC, but the fact that Texas Tech lost to Ole Miss by 13 points doesn't help Texas' case at all, it's bascally totally irrelavent toward the NC picture. But if it does anything, it hurts Texas, hell it might even make a case that Alabama should have gotten a rematch showing that SEC is really good....I think what it really proves is how Texas Tech and most of the Big 12 defenses really we'ren't that good. The Big Ten and SEC have the best defenses.

[Bossgobbler23]

I don't understand your whole Ole Miss beating Texas Tech means that Texas should be in the NC game. Texas Tech beat Texas, and Oklahoma blasted Texas tech way worse than Ole Miss did. I understand why you think Texas should be in the NC, but the fact that Texas Tech lost to Ole Miss by 13 points doesn't help Texas' case at all, it's bascally totally irrelavent toward the NC picture. But if it does anything, it hurts Texas, hell it might even make a case that Alabama should have gotten a rematch showing that SEC is really good....I think what it really proves is how Texas Tech and most of the Big 12 defenses really we'ren't that good. The Big Ten and SEC have the best defenses.

Texas did lose to TT on the last play of the game at TT, but Texas won the head to head against Oklahoma on a neutral site. Oklahoma does have a powerful offense but its just my belief that Texas should be there, not Oklahoma for what its worth. I'm not sure if I agree or disagree on the weak defense theory of the Big 12. You have 4 GREAT QB's in that conference that would make any defense look weak. I will hold judgment until I see how Texas and the Okies perform in their respective bowl games.

[gator]

No doubt! Thank goodness for the Hawkeyes, who looked very good.

Watching that first half of the Rose Bowl I just cannot help but wish there was a playoff and this was the first round of games -- I really want to see USC play Oklahoma! The Trojans look amazing, on both sides of the ball -- how can they be so fucking good?!? Pete Carroll and his boys look like they're having so much more fun than any other team I've watched, past or present.

I fucking hate them, but man, you have to respect what they've been able to do over the past 7 or 8 years!

I agree about USC. Actually, I used to hate them, but have been so impressed by their performances in BIG games over the past few years that I have at least come to respect them. I would also love a playoff because I couldn't honestly tell you who would win a USC and FLA/ALA/OKL/Tex matchup. It would be great to see who would actually win. Yes, USC looked great (and always seem to in bowl games) but what if they had to play 2 or 3 TOUGH games in a row. I bring up this last point because that is often the case in SEC and Big10 play, while USC seems to only have 1 or 2 tough games each year with many weeks in between.

[gator]

The Big Ten has not gotten even strengthed opponents in the bowls for a couple of years now. It seems if we send our 4th place team to play a bowl we get the other guys 2nd place as the opponent, etc... The SEC gets weaker opponents all the time to bolster their myth. The truth is they only had 2 REALLY good teams this year.

If we were playing cards, I would have to call BS on this one. Vandy vs BC was not a good matchup. Over 3/4 of the country thought Georgia Tech would beat LSU, but LSU showed up and crushed them. Ole Miss vs Texas Tech, one of those daunting Big12 teams that many thought could play for the NC, didn't look like a SEC win over to 90% of the country. Ole Miss dominated that game and had several opportunities to make it worse than it was. Georgia was one of the most favorable matchups for the SEC because Ringer is a pvssy everytime he plays a good run defense. I actually gained some respect for MSU in that game (mostly for their D), even though they got whupped. SC vs Iowa, so far the only SEC bowl loss, definitely did not favor the SEC. I will agree that ALA vs Utah favors the SEC, probably more than most analyst (or the country for that matter) are willing to admit or acknowledge. FLA vs OKL doesn't look favorable either way, IMO.

I reall don't care to get on hear and bash the Big10, but this comment is BS (at least this year). NW had a chance to show something, but melted down against an overrated Mizzou. Other than that, it's just been embarrassing for the Big10. You got to put your champ against the Pac10 champ and got humiliated again. Although USC was playing in their backyard (literally), Penn St could have looked better. Early in the game, they just got stuffed on too many 3rd and short's. Then their D had no answer, just like OSU. I do agree, somewhat, with whoever said that UM not making the bowl season put the Big10 in somebad matchups because everyone basically moves up a bowl spot. However, this has been a terrible, pathetic even, performance in the bowl games by the Big10 so far. You have one more chance riding on OSU vs Texas. Now if Ole Miss can go to Texas and beat Texas Tech, there really aren't any excuses for OSU not being able to beat Texas. That's just the way it is as honestly as I can say it. Deal with it or get your teams to do something about it; there's no conspiracy here to make the SEC look great.

[bigboyBlue]

If we were playing cards, I would have to call BS on this one. Vandy vs BC was not a good matchup. Over 3/4 of the country thought Georgia Tech would beat LSU, but LSU showed up and crushed them. Ole Miss vs Texas Tech, one of those daunting Big12 teams that many thought could play for the NC, didn't look like a SEC win over to 90% of the country. Ole Miss dominated that game and had several opportunities to make it worse than it was. Georgia was one of the most favorable matchups for the SEC because Ringer is a pvssy everytime he plays a good run defense. I actually gained some respect for MSU in that game (mostly for their D), even though they got whupped. SC vs Iowa, so far the only SEC bowl loss, definitely did not favor the SEC. I will agree that ALA vs Utah favors the SEC, probably more than most analyst (or the country for that matter) are willing to admit or acknowledge. FLA vs OKL doesn't look favorable either way, IMO.

I reall don't care to get on hear and bash the Big10, but this comment is BS (at least this year). NW had a chance to show something, but melted down against an overrated Mizzou. Other than that, it's just been embarrassing for the Big10. You got to put your champ against the Pac10 champ and got humiliated again. Although USC was playing in their backyard (literally), Penn St could have looked better. Early in the game, they just got stuffed on too many 3rd and short's. Then their D had no answer, just like OSU. I do agree, somewhat, with whoever said that UM not making the bowl season put the Big10 in somebad matchups because everyone basically moves up a bowl spot. However, this has been a terrible, pathetic even, performance in the bowl games by the Big10 so far. You have one more chance riding on OSU vs Texas. Now if Ole Miss can go to Texas and beat Texas Tech, there really aren't any excuses for OSU not being able to beat Texas. That's just the way it is as honestly as I can say it. Deal with it or get your teams to do something about it; there's no conspiracy here to make the SEC look great.

Agreed. We talk about letting the results on the field speak for themselves...well, we suck. I think there is upside, but it will be a few years before the Big Ten is relevant again while all the new coaches recruit and work in their players.

[rickyleach]

what more can you say, the big10 needs to change their thinking, we have more pros from the big10 then any other conference, so its not talent or speed that is the problem, ITS OUR COACHING MINDS...

[GoGreen23]

If we were playing cards, I would have to call BS on this one. Vandy vs BC was not a good matchup. Over 3/4 of the country thought Georgia Tech would beat LSU, but LSU showed up and crushed them. Ole Miss vs Texas Tech, one of those daunting Big12 teams that many thought could play for the NC, didn't look like a SEC win over to 90% of the country. Ole Miss dominated that game and had several opportunities to make it worse than it was. Georgia was one of the most favorable matchups for the SEC because Ringer is a pvssy everytime he plays a good run defense. I actually gained some respect for MSU in that game (mostly for their D), even though they got whupped. SC vs Iowa, so far the only SEC bowl loss, definitely did not favor the SEC. I will agree that ALA vs Utah favors the SEC, probably more than most analyst (or the country for that matter) are willing to admit or acknowledge. FLA vs OKL doesn't look favorable either way, IMO.

I reall don't care to get on hear and bash the Big10, but this comment is BS (at least this year). NW had a chance to show something, but melted down against an overrated Mizzou. Other than that, it's just been embarrassing for the Big10. You got to put your champ against the Pac10 champ and got humiliated again. Although USC was playing in their backyard (literally), Penn St could have looked better. Early in the game, they just got stuffed on too many 3rd and short's. Then their D had no answer, just like OSU. I do agree, somewhat, with whoever said that UM not making the bowl season put the Big10 in somebad matchups because everyone basically moves up a bowl spot. However, this has been a terrible, pathetic even, performance in the bowl games by the Big10 so far. You have one more chance riding on OSU vs Texas. Now if Ole Miss can go to Texas and beat Texas Tech, there really aren't any excuses for OSU not being able to beat Texas. That's just the way it is as honestly as I can say it. Deal with it or get your teams to do something about it; there's no conspiracy here to make the SEC look great.

Gator I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I don't honestly think that there is a conspiracy to make the SEC teams look good by giving them favorable bowl matchups. But it does seem that there is a conspiracy against the Big Ten, especially this year. Most Big Ten teams were outmatched from the moment the matchups were set. But this conspiracy quickly unravels when the fact that OSU making a BCS bowl is the real reason for the conference's bowl record this year. OSU accepting a bid to the Fiesta Bowl is what really killed our team's chances this year. If OSU was not selected then they most likely would have played in the Capital One Bowl where MSU played Georgia.

Honestly which would have provided a "better" game? Not that I'm disappointed in MSU's performance because I think they played very, very well. Georgia was able to get a lucky enough to get a TD with 5 min left in the fourth to ice the game. Georgia covered the spread, but could anyone have predicted that the game would be that close for that long? Sure I'm on a UM site so many of you might not agree with me but that is my opinion. I'm disappointed with how it played out, but I still think it was a good game and that MSU played like it belonged there.

Anyway, back to the topic. With OSU getting a BCS bowl, everyone else slid up a bowl slot and that is the real reason for our conference's poor showing. If Georgia and OSU played each other, I think neither team would have been favored. That would mean that MSU would have played South Carolina in the Outback Bowl where MSU probably would have won. Iowa would have played Mizzou and that would have been another toss up. I could go on and on but slid everyone down a bowl and I think as a whole it would have been better.

Also I don't think that Ringer fails to show up for the big games, I just think MSU has a terrible O-line, and if you don't believe me then you clearly haven't been paying attention. I'm also glad that Hoyer is gone because he's terrible, that is the reason why we had to rely on Ringer all season. I honestly think that MSU's offense was better last year but our defense was worse. This year our defense kept us in those close games and gave us a chance to win. In our 2 blow outs almost half of the points scored were by our opponent's defense!

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

Gator I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I don't honestly think that there is a conspiracy to make the SEC teams look good by giving them favorable bowl matchups. But it does seem that there is a conspiracy against the Big Ten, especially this year. Most Big Ten teams were outmatched from the moment the matchups were set. But this conspiracy quickly unravels when the fact that OSU making a BCS bowl is the real reason for the conference's bowl record this year. OSU accepting a bid to the Fiesta Bowl is what really killed our team's chances this year. If OSU was not selected then they most likely would have played in the Capital One Bowl where MSU played Georgia.

Honestly which would have provided a "better" game? Not that I'm disappointed in MSU's performance because I think they played very, very well. Georgia was able to get a lucky enough to get a TD with 5 min left in the fourth to ice the game. Georgia covered the spread, but could anyone have predicted that the game would be that close for that long? Sure I'm on a UM site so many of you might not agree with me but that is my opinion. I'm disappointed with how it played out, but I still think it was a good game and that MSU played like it belonged there.

Anyway, back to the topic. With OSU getting a BCS bowl, everyone else slid up a bowl slot and that is the real reason for our conference's poor showing. If Georgia and OSU played each other, I think neither team would have been favored. That would mean that MSU would have played South Carolina in the Outback Bowl where MSU probably would have won. Iowa would have played Mizzou and that would have been another toss up. I could go on and on but slid everyone down a bowl and I think as a whole it would have been better.

Also I don't think that Ringer fails to show up for the big games, I just think MSU has a terrible O-line, and if you don't believe me then you clearly haven't been paying attention. I'm also glad that Hoyer is gone because he's terrible, that is the reason why we had to rely on Ringer all season. I honestly think that MSU's offense was better last year but our defense was worse. This year our defense kept us in those close games and gave us a chance to win. In our 2 blow outs almost half of the points scored were by our opponent's defense!

Your wish is my comand. It is being reported that the Big Ten will only be allowed one BCS bid next year and that will be the Rose Bowl.

[Bossgobbler23]

Gator, actually I like the Gators. I have two sisters that live in Florida. Maybe I was venting my frustration from hearing SEC this, SEC that, SEC speed. I think ESPN pushes the hell out of this crap TOO MUCH and I'm sick of hearing it. They don't grow super humans in ANY region of the country. ESPN has a ve$ted interest in pushing that stuff. The SEC is good, but really, this year they had two REALLY good teams, one of which lost to Utah. I thought Gerogia would contend for the title this year. I didn't think LSU would do great with a new inexperienced QB. The Big Ten is down and has been for several years, but it has also been getting some lousy bowl draws too.

[tpilews]

Gator, actually I like the Gators. I have two sisters that live in Florida. Maybe I was venting my frustration from hearing SEC this, SEC that, SEC speed. I think ESPN pushes the hell out of this crap TOO MUCH and I'm sick of hearing it. They don't grow super humans in ANY region of the country. ESPN has a ve$ted interest in pushing that stuff. The SEC is good, but really, this year they had two REALLY good teams, one of which lost to Utah. I thought Gerogia would contend for the title this year. I didn't think LSU would do great with a new inexperienced QB. The Big Ten is down and has been for several years, but it has also been getting some lousy bowl draws too.

I agree with you boss, the big10 has gotten some bad draws lately. For most of the big ten's games this year, actually all but Iowa I think, they've been the underdog. I think being the underdog and having to play in the other teams "backyard" creates an even further separation from being fair. Now, if the big 10 was matched up more evenly, then I've got no problem with them playing down south. However, when the selections came out and everyone says, immediately, that the big 10 will be lucky to go 1-6, then you know the matchups are lousy.

[NCBLUE]

I thought the Big Ten would go 1-6 or 2-5. When we put 2 teams in BCS games it slides everyone up 1 notch and creates mismatches. Add in Michigan being way down this year and it created a recipe for getting thumped.

[LAMfan]

Here is a table I pulled from an SEC fan's page. The numbers tell a bit about conference "dominance".

Bowls Wins Losses Ties Win %
SEC 358 182 164 12 .525
Pac-10 203 105 95 3 .525
Big Ten 231 113 115 3 .496
ACC 275 142 128 5 .525
Big 12 311 148 159 4 .482
Big East 102 48 52 2 .480


The first thing that jumps out to me is the number of bowls played is much different than the difference in percentage wins. This can contribute greatly to a conference's skill level over time with the extra practice time and development of players. The Big10 is fourth, ahead of the Pac10 and Big East. The Pac 10 "plays up", with a high win rate despite low number of bowls, probably because the bowls are concentrated more in one team that reaps the advantage of additional practice time. The Big12 "plays down". Not sure what this means, but IMO, the Big12, though good, is often over rated, as a couple of recent BCS championship games have shown. Voter love in the pools I think.

The second thing I notice is that the spread is not great. The numbers don't include this year, so things worsen for the Big10, but running a bit below .500, not great by any measure. But look at the top conferences, and you see they only reach 52.5%. I would guess that number is less about the overall conference strength, and more about the top teams getting the job done. Certainly, the history of the Rose bowl favors the Pac10, so our conference carries the image of our champion losing.

Finally, not as an excuse, but a reality, we have no "home game" bowls, as mentioned in other posts. That is certainly a factor that would influence winning percentage, if only slightly, but looking at the "dominant" winning percentage difference, home field is likely a strong contributor to the small difference.

So what has to give for the Big10 to be relevant again? I think it is simple, starting tonight with an impressive OSU win. Yes I do wish for this, it is good for all of us in the Big10. Then RR rights the ship and we win bowl games, hopefully starting next year. And, like it or not, we've got to go out to the Rose Bowl and beat SC.

[elno lewis]

Fock some bowl games. I hope they all lose. I hope Texas destoys OSU and then has to forfeit cuz one of their players has an agent. I hope Tebow gets sued cuz he botched a circumcism. I hope USC gets the Death Penalty.

Serenity now.

[Buzz]

Fock some bowl games. I hope they all lose. I hope Texas destoys OSU and then has to forfeit cuz one of their players has an agent. I hope Tebow gets sued cuz he botched a circumcism. I hope USC gets the Death Penalty.

Serenity now.

That's funny as hell!!!

[Plus 1]

One thing's for sure, Michigan won't lose a bowl game this year!!!:eek:

[bigboyBlue]

One thing's for sure, Michigan won't lose a bowl game this year!!!:eek:

Great, that makes it two years in a row for us. How is that bowl game streak working out for you guys?

[blueisbetterthanred]

if I had to pick a year to take off from the bowl games, it would have to be this year after what we did to florida last year. That can wear a team out. :cool:

33 years... sometimes you just need to take a BREAK.

GL to osu tonight.

(no thats not good luck, its GO LOSE)

:)

[rickyleach]

nothing would make the season of 2008 complete with osu getting beat again, im a michigan guy not, big10 bowl; game guy, and when it comes to ohio state , i never root for them, so its not good luck to those that follow the buckeyes ,but good luck in hoping you stay in the game for atleast 1 half , and i hope they get killed..go longhorns

[Sten Carlson]

nothing would make the season of 2008 complete with osu getting beat again, im a michigan guy not, big10 bowl; game guy, and when it comes to ohio state , i never root for them, so its not good luck to those that follow the buckeyes ,but good luck in hoping you stay in the game for atleast 1 half , and i hope they get killed..go longhorns

I agree 100% Ricky!

But, technically, where you're cheering for the Longhorns you're supposed to say, "Hook 'Em Horns!"

I cannot think of anything worse that rooting for Ohio State to win anything! I think that is one of the main reasons why I wouldn't want the Big 10 to adopt a conference championship -- there is a possibility that you get a situation like they had in the Big 12 this seasons, in which Texas fans had to root for Oklahoma to beat Oklahoma State. I know lots of Longhorns here in Austin that told me it was very hard to do, and many that said they didn't care, they still wanted OU to lose. The Texas vs. OU rivalry has a lot of similarities to Michigan vs. OSU.

Whatsmore, not only do I always hope that OSU loses, I always hope that they get humiliated!

I am certainly not a Longhorns fan, although they are growing on me, but I will shout, "Hook 'Em Horns, beat the Buckeyes!"

[eyesoftexas]

I agree 100% Ricky!

But, technically, where you're cheering for the Longhorns you're supposed to say, "Hook 'Em Horns!"

I cannot think of anything worse that rooting for Ohio State to win anything! I think that is one of the main reasons why I wouldn't want the Big 10 to adopt a conference championship -- there is a possibility that you get a situation like they had in the Big 12 this seasons, in which Texas fans had to root for Oklahoma to beat Oklahoma State. I know lots of Longhorns here in Austin that told me it was very hard to do, and many that said they didn't care, they still wanted OU to lose. The Texas vs. OU rivalry has a lot of similarities to Michigan vs. OSU.

Whatsmore, not only do I always hope that OSU loses, I always hope that they get humiliated!

I am certainly not a Longhorns fan, although they are growing on me, but I will shout, "Hook 'Em Horns, beat the Buckeyes!"

I live in Texas and root for TOSU first, then UT. They have similar programs with like-minded coaches. Mack has captured Texas recruits like Tressel has captured Ohio recruits. A playoff is the only way to go. These meaningless exhibition games mean nothing other than to fatten the college presidents' bank accounts. 7 weeks between the final game and any bowl game further adds to bowl insignificance. Texas is not the same team it was when it beat Oklahoma. I understand the 1800+ days since the last UM win over Tressel makes you wish for OSU's utter demise. Reminds me of the Cooper days for TOSU vs Carr. Bowl games solve nothing. Replace the conference championship games with the national quarterfinals in mid December. Play the semis on the NEW YEARS DAY bowls with one game a week later.

[bigboyBlue]

I thought the Big Ten would go 1-6 or 2-5. When we put 2 teams in BCS games it slides everyone up 1 notch and creates mismatches. Add in Michigan being way down this year and it created a recipe for getting thumped.

Exactly; in fact, with tUO$ being in a BCS game AND Michigan being out of bowl contention, everybody played two bowls higher than they should have, hence the Udog status, hence the creaming. Same thing last year, Illinois had no business being in the Rose Bowl. The 'problem' is that Big Ten teams have the big fan bases that travel well to BCS bowls. Hence, given a choice, they will always pick a Big Ten team over a non-BCS team.

[rickyleach]

Eyes softfortexas, i didnt studder and i have followed michigan for many years and have many family ties to that university, when michigan was kicking the sshit out of ohio state a few years back ,i still and never will root for ohio state ,so dont think i dont like tressel or ohio state because of your current streak over michigan, i never have and will always root against them, even if the big10 isnt getting respect as far as that goes ohio state fans players and coaching staff can rot in hell for all i care, so again it is a hookim horn night and hope ohio state gets what they deserve and that is to continue to be the horses asss and laughing stock of college football go blue, and f/u