Big Ten Recap: Week 6

So, week 6 was a… less than interesting week in the Big Ten. Three of the schools had non-conference games, and only Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa had real tests, since they played each other. The round robin of “good” teams will continue this coming week. But why not see what we learned after this latest slate of games.

Let’s move on, shall we? And maybe save the Pub the silence of a NASCAR post. (Don’t worry boss, I was right there with you!)

Iowa versus Michigan. The game was on opposite Florida versus LSU. And Tate Forcier didn’t win it in the end.

All true statements, and no questions there. You’re slipping a bit. Yes, Tate didn’t have a good game or provide a magical comeback. In fact, it was hard to find anything impressive about Michigan in that game, except that they only lost by 2 and had a chance to win the game in the end, until Denard Robinson threw a drive killing interception. Ricky Stanzi didn’t look impressive, but looked solid enough to win the game, and not suffer any let down from their big win against Penn State. Iowa will have one more big test this weekend against the Badgers as they try to work their way into the Big Ten title picture and/or a BCS bowl.

Michigan may not have won, but it’s possible they learned something more even in losing. Denard Robinson stepped in for an ineffective Tate Forcier and led the Wolverines down the field with an impressive TD drive that brought Michigan within 2 points. Robinson is a far inferior passer to Forcier, but his speed and running style added a new dimension to the RichRod offense. Look for him to get a few more snaps to change the pace of the offense for the rest of the season.

And yet you refuse to give Iowa any credit at all this season. Why do you hate them so?

It must be either a lack of familiarity, or just a lack of being impressed by them in their wins. But you’re right in the long run; while they could have easily lost the games to Penn State, Michigan, Arizona, Arkansas State and Northern Iowa, in the end, they either pulled those games out or hung on to victories. They have three more road tests coming up, back to back games against Wisconsin and Michigan State, and a game in Columbus in November. Holding serve at home and winning two of those road games will make it an impressive season as well as put them in the BCS picture in much better standing.

Haven’t you said the same thing about Wisconsin?

I have, and it’s also true. This weekend’s game against Iowa is an elimination game (assuming an Iowa loss in Columbus), with the loser likely headed to the Gator Bowl. From here on out, Wisconsin will be favored in every game, and there’s no reason to think they can’t win out. Rebounding from a loss against the Buckeyes that truly lacks a strong adjective will be big.

Lacks a strong adjective? Explain that English boy.

It was a tough loss, but it was expected. The piece of the team that played “poorly” was QB Scott Tolzien, who’s two pick-sixes turned the game on end. The special teams didn’t play well… or poorly really, other than not being able to tackle Ray Smalls on one return. The defense held the Buckeys in check, mostly… but the Buckeyes never had the ball because of three scores on various returns. Terrelle Pryor didn’t light up the field, except for a very good two minute drill at the end of the first half. It was a big win for Ohio State, certainly their marquee win of the year until the last three weeks of the season. I thought that Ohio State was the best team in the conference going into the game. I saw nothing to reaffirm that thought, but saw nothing that took away that ideal either.

And Wisconsin?

They lost a game they were supposed to lose, but come back home to play a game that they need to win to be taken seriously. The win in Minnesota will look better at the end of the year, as will their wins against Fresno State and Northern Illinois, but the Iowa game is their last chance to make any kind of impact with voters and computers, as the rest of their schedule is just average from here on out.

Very noble of you. The rest of the games?

Minnesota rebounded to beat a flat Purdue team. Purdue, Illinois and Indiana will finish at the bottom of the Big Ten in some order, but Purdue looked unimpressive even by that standard. Penn State beat another Directional Illinois school, Northwestern beat Miami-Ohio version, and Indiana dropped a game to Virginia (by 40). These games were barely fit for human consumption. And I’m not exaggerating.

Fine. Michigan State versus Illinois… then we’ll wrap up.

Ron Zook is going to be in a fight for his job this season. The biggest reason for that will be the horrid quarterback play for the Illini. Juice Williams has not improved since the Rose Bowl game two years ago, and was benched in favor of junior Eddie McGee. How bad did McGee play? He was benched in favor of Williams in the 2nd half. The Cleveland Browns think this is a messed up quarterback situation. Zook has always had the reputation as a first class recruiter, but unable to coach up talent. The Illini are finding that out right now.

Michigan State looked as good as they did against Michigan in playing a bad team. They’re the bridge between the have and have-nots right now in the Big Ten, but should be in no danger of missing a bowl game.

Well said. Big 10 Offensive Player of the Week?

Tony and Ricky... right after the dagger through the Wolverine's hearts.

Tony Moeki had 6 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Michigan, including a back breaking 42 yarder that pushed the lead back up to 9 points. Most importantly, he played a game against tough competition, which eliminated Penn State players.

Wow. Look at someone take as tand. Defensive Player(s) of the Week?

Kurt Coleman puts the first points on the board... at this point, I chucked a stuffed Bucky across my apartment. I felt bad about it though.

You read my mind. Kurt Coleman and Jermale Hines were the offense for the Buckeyes, as each returned a pickoff for a touchdown. And each added a different dagger to Bucky. Coleman’s was the first points of the game, and Hines was after the Badgers had stopped an Ohio State drive and turned momentum slightly. The points turned momentum back, and gave Ohio State a lead they’d never come close to losing.

Right. What’s the big picture?

Ohio State still looks to be the cream of the crop. Penn State looks solid, but comes back this weekend to pay a tougher game at home against Minnesota. Wisconsin and Iowa lock up in Big Game #1, a game the Fiesta Bowl committee will probably be watching closely. Northwestern and Michigan State battle in East Lansing, while Michigan tries their hand at home against Delaware State. There will be a little movement at the top of the standings after this week, and we should know a LOT about all eleven teams this time next week.

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Tags: BCS, Big Ten, Big Ten + 1, college football, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, NCAA, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Really late posts, Rob in WI, Wisconsin
Categories: Domestics, Munchies

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