NCAA Tournament: The Right "Juan" For Temple. Owls Defeat Penn State At The Buzzer

March Madness has pegged the needle now. Temple's Juan Fernandez threw up an off balanced 18 footer with .4 seconds left as the Owls survive and advance 66-64.

Here's the game winner (Thanks TNT Sports/SI.com/CBS Sports/NCAA)

TWTW Bowling: Touchy, Feely Urban Beats Penn State

((HT: ESPN/Youtube))

The HQ saw a different version of outgoing Florida head coach Urban Meyer this past month- the touchy, feely one that is trying to integrate with the rest of the non-coaching world.

He did, however, win his last game as Florida head coach beating Penn State in the bowl game at the Pirate Ship in Tampa 37-24.

But the HQ will admit that Nittany Lions QB Matt McGloin's five interceptions had a lot to do with it, too...

We think all five picks were on third down plays...

Not good- and neither was the Florida offense...

Here's your ending...


The HQ is now waiting to see if Charlie Weis is headed to Boomtown...

TWTW: TOSU Takes Out JoePa, Holds On 400

((HT: WBNS-TV Columbus))

Devon Torrence returned an interception 34 yards for the go-ahead score in 8th-ranked Ohio State's 38-14 win over Penn State.

The Buckeyes added scores when a pass ricocheted off a defender to Dane Sanzenbacher for a 58-yard score and Travis Howard picked off a pass and brought it back 30 yards. Both scores were in the fourth quarter.

Penn State is now 6-4/3-3 in the Big Ten/11/12.

The Buckeyes, now 9-1/5-1, get Iowa next week. The Hawkeyes tied for first place with Michigan State and Wisconsin.

Here's Coach Tressel, but not before his sip of Diet Coke...

Penn State Adds Hockey For $88M Pricetag

Because of an $88-million gift from the Pegula family...

Yup... $88-million... the largest private gift in the university's history gets a new arena built... among other things...

Terry and Kim Pegula get to see things come to fruition for the 2012-2013 season.

Pegula is the founder and former president of East Resources, Incorporated that he sold to Royal Dutch Shell PLC for $4.7 billion.

That's not a misprint...

The addition of men's and women's ice hockey will increase the number of sports at Penn State to 31.

Penn State has had a club hockey team, the Icers, since 1971. The team plays at the campus' 1,500-seat Ice Pavilion and is considered one of the top club teams in the country- having won seven ACHA national titles.

The school also had a men's varsity team from 1939 to 1946. Penn State has had a women's club hockey team, the Lady Icers, since 1996-97.

Five other Big Ten schools play Division I hockey, but there is no Big Ten hockey conference. Minnesota and Wisconsin play in the WCHA. Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State are in the CCHA. Both conferences want to add Penn State, but the school could be instrumental in the Big 10/11/12 going their own way...

"They are a very attractive choice -- very attractive," CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos said earlier this month, according to the Detroit News. "They're in a different market than we're in, more and more U.S. players are on college rosters, and there's tremendous growth of the sport in Pennsylvania."

Here's some of the presser...
((HT: Penn State/Youtube))

Richardson & Crimson Tide Roll Over Penn State

Who needs Mark Ingram back, Trent Richardson is doing the job right now. Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Richardson rushed for 144 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown plus totalled 190 yards on the night as the top ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama rolled over Penn State 24-3.

Here are the highlights of the game. (Thanks WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL)



Alabama head coach Nick Saban adds his take from the Penn State game. (Thanks WVTM-TV)

TWTW: Would You Have Played On That Field...???

((HT: WGNO-TV New Orleans))

Those of us at OSG HQ have been on the field at the Citrus Bowl complex in Orlando. And as Brother Phil has duly noted: it's an old and crappy building with an old and crappy grass field for a playing surface...

When you play two bowl games on that same old and crappy grass field, something like this is due to happen eventually.

The Miami-Wisconsin game was just as bad- just not seen by as many sets of eyes. And the rain that happened between the time that game was completed and the LSU-Penn State game was set to play was somewhat biblical in nature.

That, combined with the idea of re-seeding the old and crappy playing surface back on the 19th, created one of the worst old and crappy grass surfaces in recent memory.

And LSU and Penn State got to play on it...
The HQ is sure they were thrilled to be there up until the point of actually playing ON the field in question...

Ed Daniels probably messed up some nice shoes standing on the Citrus Bowl turf...


The Citrus Bowl Committee really should look in to the idea of trading grass for turf considering the joint hosted eight high school football championship games and two bowl games in the month of December.

Mike Bianchi's column in the Orlando Sentinel lays the whole issue out once and for all...

Brings new meaning to "getting stuck in the mud" or the whole "mud bogging" thing, doesn't it...???

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Big 10

Ohio State (10-3 Overall, 7-1 in Conference- 2008)

Offense- This is the year of Terrell Pryor. Pryor who has been called a “Freak of Nature, will have his chance to be the featured guy. The offense will be built around his speed, strength and passing ability. As he goes, so will the team. Beanie Wells and Brian Robiskie are gone, who will step up?

Defense- Kurt Coleman is one of the leaders on Defense; he will be expected to anchor the secondary. Last years leading sacker, Thaddeus Gibson will be the go-to guy on the line. Despite a couple of losses, this unit always seems to be good, don’t expect that to change.

Strengths- Coaching, Pryor, Defense and Schedule.

Weaknesses- Experience. Can Pryor develop? Depth on Offense.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- As always, they will be good. They will be one of the best teams in the 10. They never seem to be quite good enough to beat the best of the other “Power Conferences” though. This year hinges on Pryor, as he goes, they will go. They will be either 1st or 2nd again.

Wilkie- It’s Ohio State which means the Buckeyes will be at or near the top of the Big 10 and then lose the bowl game. New season, same result. I can’t wait to watch Terrell Pryor though, he is a freak of nature.

Nelson- What Wilkie said… I think there’s only one loss ((the USC game)) heading in to the Penn State game on November 21st. That game decides who gets the title. OH-IO… they don’t give a damn ‘bout the whole state of Michigan. They still won’t…

Penn State – (11-2, 7-1 in conference in 2008)

Offense- Much like Ohio State, they are heavily reliant on their Quarterback. Darryl Clark returns and should be one of the, if not the best Offensive player in the league. Evan Royster heads up a strong running attack for the Nittany Lions.

Defense- This too should be a strong unit this season. Headliners like Linebacker Sean Lee and D-Tackle Jared Odrick lead an experienced group that can run from side to side.

Strengths- Clark has arguably become the best QB in the league. Lee, Odrick and a tough Defense. This is the strongest team in Happy Valley in several years.

Weakness- They have been somewhat inconsistent the past few years. That may have been the youth, they are more experienced now.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- As much as I have slammed these guys on character the past few years, this is a good team. Probably the best in the 10. I think Clark is what Terrell Pryor hopes to be. This is my pick to win the Conference.

Wikie- I agree with Phil, Penn State has got the goods to win the Big 10 plus the Nittany Lions schedule is cake. I would even say Penn State has an outside shot for the BCS Championship Game. Can it be that Joe Pa. is just getting better with age?

Nelson- Akron, Syracuse, and Temple to start…? What is that…??? Eastern Illinois…??? This “cake” schedule is why they lose the Ohio State game. Joe Pa puts more distance between himself and Bobby Bowden just in time for those 14 games off the board.

Michigan State- (9-4 Overall in 2008, 6-2 in the conference)

Offense- There is a lot to replace here. Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer are gone. The QB situation is up in the air, who will step up? AJ Jimmerson is a Senior and may be Ringer’s replacement, but who is going to emerge. The other contenders are young…very young. The receivers are strong, but someone has to get the ball to them.

Defense- It all starts with preseason defensive player of year Greg Jones. He is a pretty good base to start things with. The linebackers are very good on this team; the rest of the defense will be young.

Strengths- Jones is obviously a very good football player. They are strong up front…as usual.

Weakness- Youth. This is a very young team with quite a few question marks. Someone is going to have to elevate their game…a lot.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- This is a rebuilding year for the Spartans. There are way too many question marks for them to lay claim to a title. That isn’t to say there isn’t talent here, there is. But it will be another year or two before it manifests. Middle of the pack but a bowl game.

Wilkie- I really like what Mark Dantonio is doing with Michigan State. If the quarterback situation was a little better I would even say the Big 10 title is in their grasp. No Ohio State on the schedule and Penn State must come to East Lansing. I not ready to commit to that for the Spartans but they will be in the top 3 and get a good bowl game.

Nelson- Sleeper selection, if Penn State is caught napping, where the Fighting Dantonio’s could take out Penn State. Think New Year’s Day- third in the conference…

Wisconsin- (7-6 Overall in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)

Offense- Dustin Sherer returns at Quarterback, but that may not be a good thing. He struggled last year and there are several younger players nipping at his heels. There is still talent at Running Back with human bowling ball John Clay. Look for them to be a traditional 10 power team.

Defense- O’Brien Schofield headlines a fairly non-descript defensive unit. This group will be hard pressed to keep up with the Terrell Pryor’s and Darryl Clark’s of the world.

Strengths- Clay is a workhorse and there is depth behind him. The O Line will be solid as usual, they grow ‘em big up there.

Weakness- Lots of holes, Sherer needs to step up at QB. Lack of defensive speed.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- These guys are traditionally overrated and never fail to disappoint. They are equipped to be competitive in the 10, but not anywhere else. If they falter again, look for Coach Bret Bielema to be on the hot seat.

Wilkie- There’s not much buzz about the Badgers going into 2009. Every year there is the illusion that Wisconsin will be great, even win the Big 10 only to find out you overestimated the Badgers again. They should win at least 7 games this year but I wonder if the Cheeseheads are happy with Bret Bielema.

Nelson- When this season is over, Badger fans will be just as happy with Bielema as Iowa fans are with Kirk Ferentz. A pre-New Year’s Bowl, possibly, pre-Christmas bowl game for Wisconsin and a seat with an increased temperature for 2010.

Iowa- (9-4 Overall, 5-3 in the Conference)

Offense- Ricky Stanzi is the man. He will run the show this year after a strong finish last year. Someone will have to fill Shon Greene’s shoes, but they will have a good, strong O line to do it behind.

Defense- The defense is deep and experienced. They have guys with playing time everywhere. Pat Angerer tied for the league lead with 5 Int’s last year and he returns to lead a solid linebacker core.

Strengths- Defense, defense and for good measure, more defense. There are some questions on offense, but the D should be awfully stout.

Weakness- Some questions on O. Who is going to replace Greene? Can Stanzi hold up for a full season and elevate his game?

OSG’s Take-

Phil- They will be a tough out just because they will be very good on defense. I’m not convinced the O is big time enough to win the conference, but they should have a good record and a decent bowl game.

Wilkie- The only thing keeping the Iowa Hawkeyes from a huge year is the schedule. Talk about bad timing Iowa has Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State all on the road in 2009. Even going 2-2 won’t win the Big 10. The Hawkeyes will get 8-9 wins and a good bowl but that schedule… ouch.

Nelson- After winning the Iowa State Championship after Week 2 (Northern and Iowa State), the schedule will keep them from a huge season. But 8 wins will be the max and Ferentz’s job is safe for another season. Dare I say it- more safe than Bielema’s heading in to 2010.

Northwestern- (9-4 in 2008, 5-3 in the Conference)

Offense- Quite a few guys have left, but Quarterback Mike Kafka is back. Kafka shined in last years Alamo Bowl and will have to carry a heavy load this year too. The ‘Cats were hit hard by graduation and have lots of holes to fill.

Defense- Corey Wootton returns from last year’s knee injury to lead the young defense. A lot of guys are going to need to step up this year.

Strengths- Kafka is a multi-purpose threat (run and pass). Wootton, if healthy is a stud. They will need to be leaders on this team.

Weakness- Youth. Inexperience.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- Coach Pat Fitzgerald has built a strong program at his alma mater. They have some holes to fill this year, but still should be a good team. Upper Mid-Pack and a bowl game.

Wilkie- Northwestern is no longer the Big 10 doormat. They may not be challenging for the Big 10 title every year but they play like hell. The Wildcats have gone from a joke to a team that you fear. Pat Fitzgerald is a big part of that. He was there when the Northwestern renaissance began in 1995 and has kept it going. 9 wins the max this year and Northwestern fans, let’s hope for a bowl win, that hasn’t happened since 1948.

Nelson- I don’t quite see 9 wins for Northwestern in 2009- more like 7. The inexperience will take a while to get used to playing in the Ten. Their last four games are Penn State, at Iowa, at Illinois, and Wisconsin: a 1-3 finish.
It’ll be another bowl, but an early one.

Illinois- (5-7 in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)

Offense- It’s all about the Juice. Juice Williams is back again to lead these guys. With WR Arrelious Benn returning as well, they are stacked on offense.

Defense- Martez Wilson and Donsay Hardeman lead the Defense.

Strengths- The Offense can score with anyone. Some talent here.

Weakness- Can the Defense stop anyone?

OSG’s Take-

Phil- This is an interesting team. They should be pretty good, but I still don’t think Ron Zook is a good head coach. I think they will underachieve…again. Maybe .500 and a bowl game, but not likely.

Wilkie- Illinois is a program that continues to baffle me. Why can’t they challenge for the Big 10 title every year? There is no excuse why the Illini underachieve. I thought Ron Zook SEC style recruiting might turn the corner for Illinois but coaching isn’t his strength. This year Illinois has the talent to win the Big 10 and normally they would be my pick but I can’t commit. Ron Zook has to prove he can coach. 9 wins and a bowl.

Nelson- The team should get to a 2-0 start, but Ohio State and Penn State cancel that out. The last two games could determine 7 or 9 wins- Cincinnati and Fresno. What was [NAME REDACTED] thinking putting this schedule together…?


Michigan (3-8 in 2008, 2-8 in the Conference)

Offense- Will this be the year that Rich Rodriguez’ offense makes its mark in the Big 10? Already, he has announced that he will play 3 Quarterbacks in the opener…that is not a good sign. There are a few players here, so we will see what happens.

Defense- Wow, former Syracuse Coach Greg Robinson was brought in to run the defense…that’s kind of scary. Brandon Graham and Obi Ezeh are the leaders on D.

Strengths- It should be the coaching staff, though they have a lot of work to do to put these guys back where they were.

Weakness- Youth and inexperience are the biggest issues; several guys will need to stand out for them to succeed.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- Wow, talk about “How the mighty have fallen”. They are a shell of what they used to be. I don’t know if Rodriguez is capable of rebuilding them. They have a long way to go to catch back up to Ohio State and Penn State. Bottom of the pack here.

Wilkie- Michigan is an example of culture change gone wrong. Rich Rodriguez style just doesn’t fit the mold that made Michigan well, Michigan. Rich-Rod can’t commit to a quarterback so he’s going to play all 3 in the opener. That tells me he’s desperate. I think Michigan will be lucky to get 5 wins this year.

Nelson- Three QB’s…? Makes perfect Rich-Rod sense… ugh. Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Delaware State for wins…? What is this nonsense…? I noticed the AD left Central Michigan off the schedule- since they’d lose against Dan LaFevour this year. Lucky to win 5, but three of them are above…

Purdue- (4-8 in 2008, 2-6 in the Conference)

Offense- Curtis Painter is gone, can Joey Elliot take over? Aaron Valentin will be a key at Wide Receiver. They have been a spread team, but new coach Danny Hope wants to run the ball more.

Defense- Very experienced, with most of the guys returning from last year. LB Joe Holland and CB David Pender are expected to be standouts from this group.

Strengths- Defense and…defense. The offense is young, but has potential.

Weakness- No skill players with significant experience. They hope to get better as the year goes.
OSG’s Take-

Phil- They won’t be horrible because of the defense. However, they may not score a whole lot either. This is sort of a “Rebuilding” season with a new coach, so don’t expect a lot this season.

Wilkie- Purdue has been mediocre for a while and even with the Danny Hope coming in that won’t change. The Boilermakers might get 6 wins and a bowl but it will be a struggle.

Nelson- I’m struggling to find wins across the board myself…
Wilkie says 6. I say less…

Minnesota- (7-6 in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)

Offense- 10 guys back including QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker. That should be helpful as they move to an outdoor stadium this year. Look for DeLeon Eskridge to play a big role this season.

Defense- A good turnover team last year, 8 guys return, LB Lee Campbell and S Kyle Theret are among the standouts.

Strengths- Experience. They have key guys at almost every position with some game experience; it will help…a lot. Playing in a new “Home” stadium should be an emotional boost as well.

Weakness- The need for balance. They are built for a fast “Dome” track, not an outside stadium. They will need to figure it out…fast.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- A solid team with a lot to like. Experience will serve them well as will the new stadium experience. They were a good story last year and should be a contender and a bowl team this year.

Wilkie- Tim Brewster is a breath of fresh air in Gopherland. Brewster got the Gophers in a bowl last year and will ride the momentum into this year. 7-8 wins and a bowl for Minnesota.

Nelson- I remember this team losing to FAU when Brewster was in his first year as a coach. I’m guessing a .500 year. Nothing leaps across the page here for me.

Indiana- (3-9 in 2008, 1-7 in the Conference)

Offense- Kellen Lewis is their best player. Period. He was the leading runner and passer last year. This year, he will line up at WR. Ben Chappell will line up at QB and the O-Line returns all 5 starters.

Defense- They weren’t very good last year and 8 of those guys are back. Jammie Kerlew is the man at DE for them, having 10.5 sacks in 2008.

Strengths- Lewis’ versatility, some talent and depth on offense. Experience should be a good thing for them too.

Weaknesses- There hasn’t been wholesale changes on a team that wasn’t very good last year. The talent level isn’t good enough to be competitive in this conference.

OSG’s Take-

Phil- They are the “forgotten” in this conference and it is easy to see why. They should be more competitive than this. They are decent in Basketball but can’t seem to compete in Football. They aren’t a “Vanderbilt” or “Duke” either. Another year of bottom dwelling unless something very weird happens.

Wilkie- Usually an experienced team means a successful year. IU bucks that trend. Plenty of experience but short on talent. Indiana will again be the cellar dweller in the Big 10. Look on the bright side Hoosier fans, basketball season starts in November (oh yea, there struggling there to.)

Nelson- To be honst, they haven't been the same since Coach Hep passed. It looked like they were turning the corner and heading toward respectability, but things just look like they faded out. It's sad, no doubt. I tihnk it'll be another year of the bottom of the 10/11 for them.

Best of the Best-

Conference Champs

Phil- Penn State.
Wilkie- Penn State
Jon- Penn State

Offensive MVP
Phil- Daryl Clark, Penn State
Wilkie- Terrell Pryor – Ohio State
Jon- Clark

Defensive MVP
Phil- Greg Jones, Michigan State
Wilkie- Navorro Bowman – Penn State
Jon- Bowman

BCS Standings ((Week of October 26th))

1) Texas .9981 1
2) Alabama .9499 2
3) Penn State .9257 3
4) Oklahoma .8270 4
5) USC .7822 5
6) Georgia .7703 7
7) Texas Tech .7431 8
8) Florida .7295 10
9) Oklahoma State .6746 6
10) Utah .6362 11
11) Boise State .6362 12
12) Ohio State .5373 9
13) TCU .5065 14
14) Missouri .4747 15
15) Florida State .3383 25
16) Ball State .3377 20
17) Minnesota .3057 24
18) Tulsa .2966 19
19) LSU .2917 13
20) BYU .2902 21
21) Michigan State .2117 NR
22) North Carolina .2098 NR
23) South Florida .0670 16
24) Oregon .0652 NR
25) UConn .0631 NR

College Football: My Big 10 Predictions

Big 10 Conference

Ohio State Buckeyes

2007 record 11-2 (Lost to LSU 38-24 in the BCS Championship Game)

The Buckeyes weren’t supposed to go the BCS Championship Game last year but they were there and once again became sacrificial lambs to the SEC.

Things To Like About Ohio State:

They are good, damn good, BCS Championship Game good: 20 starters return from last season. James Laurinatis and Malcom Jenkins decided to skip the NFL for a year and return to Ohio State for their senior seasons. Make that off the charts good.

Defense: The Buckeyes lead the country in defense last season and only lost 2 starters. The Ohio State “D” is full of playmakers and guys that will bring you down and bring you down hard.

Offense: The Buckeyes have the best running back in the Big 10, Chris Wells, the best receivers is the conference in Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. Ohio State even snagged the best high school quarterback last season, Terrell Pryor but its Todd Boeckman that will lead the Bucks.

Things Not To Like About Ohio State:

At USC September 13: Big test for Ohio State. That’s about the only thing I don’t like.

Dotting The “I”: Ohio State should win every game this year and play Michigan at the Horseshoe. On paper they are clearly the best team in the country and should be playing in the BCS Championship Game again. The question will be will the 3rd time be the charm? Bonus points for beating an SEC team.

Wisconsin Badgers

2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Tennessee 21-17 in the Outback Bowl)

Things To Like About Wisconsin:

Great Backfield: The Badgers have a deep backfield on offense. P.J. Hill is a stud and will be the workhouse but Wisconsin will have plenty of fresh legs to come in so Hill doesn’t take a pounding. Zach Brown and Lance Smith can help keep Hill from getting worn down.

Tight Ends: The Badgers love to throw to the Tight End and they have a couple of good ones. Travis Beckum is one of the best in the country. He’s not big (223 pounds) and not that great of blocker but he is a great target with great hands. His backup Garrett Graham could start elsewhere.

Things Not To Like About Wisconsin:

Quarterback: It’s a battle between Allan Evridge and Dustin Sherer and both are inexperienced.

Offensive Line: Not a good unit last year and will have to prove themselves this year especially with inexperience QB’s

Badger Beat: Wisconsin is due to go to a BCS Bowl Game and this could be the year. Ohio State comes to Camp Randall Stadium October 4th and it’s been over 10 years since the Buckeye have beaten Wisconsin back to back. Other than that the schedule is in the favor. The Big 10 title may not happen but an at large BCS Bowl Berth can happen. Should be a special year in Madison.

Illinois Fighting Illini

2007 record 9-4 (Lost to USC 49-14 in the Rose Bowl)

Illinois had a breakout year last year going to the Rose Bowl. Ron Zook is proving that you can win in a hurry when you recruit the right way.

Things To Like About Illinois:

Juice Williams: He will be asked to handle most of the offensive load with Rashard Mendenhall gone. Williams’ passing has improved greatly and should be able to handle the load.

Vontae Davis: He’s a special talent. Davis is a shutdown corner and tremendous tackler. He’s a game changer on defense.

Young Talent: Ron Zook’s great recruiting classes from the past few years are ready to bust out. Their time has come.

Things Not To Like About Illinois:

Running Back: Rashard Mendenhall’s decision to go the NFL creates a big hole at running back. Daniel Dufrene gets the call now and he can flat out run but being the workhouse back like Mendenhall remains to be scene.

Illini Insider: The talent and athleticism that Ron Zook has accumulated in Champaign is remarkable. I really like Illinois’ long term future. If you expect a drop off from the Illini don’t bet on it. They may have an outside shot of the Big 10 Championship.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2007 record 6-6

They were the Iowa Blackeyes last year. A ton of injuries, off the field issues and then capping off a crappy year by losing to Western Michigan at Kinnick Stadium, not even former Head Coach Hayden Fry could see anything positive through those rose colored glasses of his.

Things To Like About Iowa:

It’s 2008, a new year.

Easy Schedule: No Ohio State or Michigan for the Hawkeyes. Penn State and Wisconsin come to Iowa City. Only tough Big 10 game is at Illinois.

Receivers: Iowa has a great corps. Andy Brodell is a big play guy the Hawkeyes missed last year after ripping his hamstring. Brodell is back and ready to make big plays.

Things Not To Like About Iowa:

No get out of jail cards: Is their really nothing to do in Iowa City? Is life there really that boring? Why else would 14 players get in trouble with the law. Has Head Coach Kirk Ferentz totally lost control?

Running Backs: The Hawkeyes need help there. They went the JUCO route with Nate Guillory to carry the ball. Paki O’Meara impressed during the spring but can he be the workhouse back.

Hawkeye Hotline: Iowa isn’t great but is good. With everyone healthy and if they can stay out of jail, the Hawkeyes could win 10 games with their cake schedule.

Michigan State Spartans

2007 record 7-6 (Lost to Boston College 24-21 in the Champs Bowl)

Michigan State made big steps last year in moving up the Big 10 food chain.

Things To Like About Michigan State:

Jevon Ringer: Michigan State has a go-to running back in Ringer. He could be one of the best backs in the country. Has the perfect blend of size, power & speed>

Offensive Line: Veteran unit that has open holes for Ringer in the past.

Defense: It has the potential to be special. The Spartan “D” is very fast and looks fundamentally sound.

Things Not To Like About Michigan State:

Go To Receiver: Mark Dell needs to become the #1 receiver. If that happens you can move that up to the column above.

Special Teams: Michigan State’s kicking game is decent and will need to be more consistent. Punt returns were a problem to. The longest punt return last year by the Spartans was 18 yards.

Spartan Specifics: You have to love the job Mark Dantonio is doing in East Lansing. He is changing the attitude and culture at Michigan State. The Spartans have had a reputation of curling up in the fetal position when facing adversity. Dantonio didn’t let that happen last year when MSU lost 5 of 6 in mid-season. The Spartans and close to becoming one to the elite programs in the Big 10 it just won’t happen this year.

Penn State Nittany Lions

2007 record 9-4 (Defeated Texas A&M 24-17 in the Alamo Bowl)

Penn State slipped a little last year but the Nittany Lions were still very respectable. Winning a bowl game in Texas A&M’s back yard was huge.

Things To Like About Penn State:

Offensive Line: All 5 starters return. They seem to be the best O-line in the Big 10. They are great at pass protection and can open holes for the running backs.

Defensive Line: They are not real big up front but they are damn good. The Penn State D-Line can control tempo and dominant the game. Yes, they are that good.

Things Not To Like About Penn State:

Settle on a quarterback: Daryll Clark is a senior that has waited his turn, the type of player Joe Paterno usually goes with. Sophomore Pat Devlin will push Clark.

Linebackers: Yes I know, how can I say that about Linebacker “U” without Jack Ham, Shane Conlan & Paul Posluszny kicking my back side but it is an issue this year. That corps is in rebuilding mode and will depend on a former walk-on, Josh Hull

Nittany Nuggets: Joe Paterno may be 81 but he can still coach. Yes he is old and crusty and probably should be enjoying the good life but if Paterno still wants to coach at Penn State, what’s the issue. Paterno’s teams haven’t been that bad. Penn State hasn’t dropped into the abyss of mediocrity like other dinosaur programs like Nebraska, Florida State and Miami.

This Penn State team has the talent to win 10 games and challenge for the Big 10 title but the big 10 schedule doesn’t do the Nittany Lions any favors. Penn State has road games at Ohio State, at Wisconsin and at Iowa. That’s asking a lot.

Michigan Wolverines

2007 record 9-4 (Defeated Florida 41-35 in the Capital One Bowl)

2007 may have started crappy for Lloyd Carr in his final season as head coach of Michigan but he and the Wolverines got the tell the college football world to kiss my a&# by defeating Florida in the Capital One Bowl.

Things To Like About Michigan:

Rich Rodriquez: It was a bold move by Michigan to hire outside the box and bring in Rich Rod and his innovative yet highly successful offense to Ann Arbor. It remains to be seen whether it works in the Big 10 however, you can say Michigan football has arrived in the 21st century. Embrace Rich Rodriquez because he is a terrific coach.

Defensive Line: Some outstanding talent there. Terrence Taylor is a big fella that can stop the run and occupy blockers. All 4 starters return and could jell into the best unit in the Big 10.

Things Not To Like About Michigan:

Change of philosophy on offense: Can Michigan grasp the new offense with Lloyd Carr’s recruits?

Offensive Line: Only 1 returning starter on the O-Line and if this unit can get it down, the offense will sputter. It’s a make or break area for Michigan.

Life At the Big House: Michigan won’t be god awful because of all the big time recruits on the roster but it’s hard to gage the Wolverines. If everything falls into place and the offense performs better than expected, then Michigan will be, well… Michigan. The Wolverines will be tested early hosting Utah and even if it’s a 6 win year at Ann Arbor, if one of those wins is over Ohio State than Rich Rod will be a hero.

Purdue Boilermakers

2007 record 8-5 (Defeated Central Michigan 51-48 in the Motor City Bowl)

Things To Like About Purdue:

Curtis Painter: He could be the Matt Ryan of this year, strong armed veteran quarterback that can make an average team great. Painter could play his way into a first day NFL draft pick and Purdue will need that.

Things Not To Like About Purdue:

Schedule: Who did Purdue tick off at the Big 10 office because the schedule is brutal. At Notre Dame, at Ohio State, at Michigan and hosting Oregon. Ouch!

Serve me up a Boilermaker: It’s Joe Tiller’s final year at Purdue and the Boilermakers want to send Tiller out with a bang. Tiller’s final Purdue team is solid with no major issues and will be focused on a great year for their coach. 7 to 8 wins and a bowl game would be a great retirement gift for Tiller.

Northwestern Wildcats

2007 record 6-6

Had Northwestern not lost to Duke at home, the Wildcats would have gone to a bowl game.

Things To Like About Northwestern:

Mick McCall: He’s Northwestern’s new offensive coordinator and he was a great QB coach at Bowling Green. McCall wants an up tempo offense and the ball in the hands of his playmakers quickly. The Wildcats do have some of those. They should be exciting and tough to stop.

Offense: The Wildcats lead the Big 10 in passing offense and with running back Tyrell Sutton back at full strength, Northwestern will rack up yards and score points.

Things Not To Like About Northwestern:

Must improve defensive pressure: Northwestern failed to generate much of a pass rush last year. The secondary become shell shocked because the opposing quarterback literally had all day to throw the ball. New defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz wants his defense to attack the quarterback. We will see what happens.

Go Northwestern young man: Pat Fitzgerald is building a nice program at Northwestern. One he expects to compete for a Big 10 title every year. 7 wins and a bowl game is realistic for the purple this year.

Indiana Hoosiers

2007 record 7-6 (Lost to Oklahoma State 49-33 in the Insight Bowl)

The best feel good story of 2007. Indiana wanted a bowl game after their head coach Terry Hoeppner passed away from a brain tumor. They did it and it was a great end to Inidana’s season.

Things To Like About Indiana:

Special Teams: Kicker Marcus Starr has shined bright for Indiana. He’s very consistent and can hit the pressure kicks. Starr is one of the best toes in the nation.

Kellen Lewis: Emerged last season as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 10. Leiws is a duel threat that has the burden of IU’s offense on his shoulders this year. If Lewis can get it down than Indiana has a shot of going bowling again.

Things Not To Like About Indiana:

Stopping the run: The Hoosiers defensive line was manhandled last year in the trenches therefore IU couldn’t stop the run. Good running teams would have big games against Indiana. That has to improve this year.

Hoosier Hype: Can Indiana match 2007’s win total? Well the Hoosiers have 8 home games and can get off to a great start with 3 very winnable games to open the season. Things have to fall their way to match 07.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

2007 record 1-10

Things To Like About Minnesota:

An infusion of JUCO talent: Head Coach Tim Brewster brought in some top junior college talent to upgrade the Gophers now and it should pay off.

Things No To Like About Minnesota:

Defense: Former Duke Head Coach Ted Roof in the new defensive coordinator and he inherits the worst defense in the Big 10. The JUCO talent will help but the Gophers will have to prove they can stop someone.

Gopher Notes: It’s going to be another long year up in Minnesota. The Gophers will win more than one game this year, maybe 3 or 4. Tim Brewster is a great recruiter so the long term prognosis is good and Gopher fans should be encouraged with all the JUCO talent that will be wearing the colors this year. Things will look up for Minnesota.