The Big 10 will most certainly be the perennial powerhouse that we have grown accustomed to. The upcoming college season will bring a bit of parity to a league often dominated by Michigan and Ohio State. Even the teams that will fall in the bottom half of the standings, such as Penn State and Illinois, are capable of springing upsets. Who will come out on top? It's not New Year's Eve yet, but let's countdown the five best teams in the Big 10 for 2005.
5) Minnesota (Projected Record: 7-4; League: 4-4)
It really seemed like last year was the year for the Golden Gophers. Fans from Duluth to Minnesota had to feel that 2004 was going to be their year. Unfortunately, the Gophers ended the season poorly and forfeited any hopes of a Big 10 championship.
In 2005, Minnesota will have learned from the mistakes of years past, but it just won't be enough to put them over the top. They are the beneficiaries of a brutal schedule, and I don't know if they have enough offensive firepower to compete with the elite teams in the conference. However, if everyone on Minnesota's squad were as talented as Laurence Maroney, the Gophers would win the title, hands down.
Every publication has Laurence Maroney rushing for huge yardage this season. All of the ingredients are there — a strong offensive line, a talented rusher, and an offensive playbook centered around the run. He has to be Minnesota's best Heisman shot in years, and will most certainly rush over 1,500 yards. Maroney will most certainly be the featured player in this offense, but it will be up to Bryan Cupito, the Minnesota quarterback, to prove that he can improve on his accuracy and make the Gophers offense a more balanced one.
Cupito will have an excellent array of pass catchers to choose from. Jared Ellerson and Ernest Wheelwright are both strong receivers who can go deep and run precision routes. I look for Ellerson to be the possession guy, while Wheelwright will be the deep threat. Matt Spaeth is a solid tight end who can both run-block and catch the ball.
The offensive line is solid with Mark Setterstrom and Joe Ainslie leading the way. They will provide plenty of holes for Maroney to romp, and give Bryan Cupito plenty of time to pass. If Cupito can have a breakout year, and be a true field general, the Gophers may surprise some people on offense.
In 2004, Minnesota's defense looked lost a good majority of the time. Head coach Glen Mason has focused on the defense this spring, and has promoted David Lockwood to defensive coordinator from secondary coach. Lockwood has a lot of question to answer such as how to improve on one of the worst pass defenses in the conference and how to offset the departure of Darrell Reid on the defensive line.
Anthony Montgomery, the Gophers' starting tackle, will attempt to fill the void that will be left on the D-line because of Darrell Reid's departure. He will not be a pass rusher, but he will rack up the tackles, and has potential to be an all-conference performer. Mark Losli can also be depended upon at the other tackle position. Losli will be looking to cap his career at Minnesota with a strong senior campaign, and I predict he will do so. Unfortunately, the strength of the defensive diminishes once we move away from the defensive line.
The linebacking corps will be very young and inexperienced this season. Kyle McKenzie is the only upperclassman with significant playing time and will have to step up his play. John Shevlin and Mike Sherels will have to make giant leaps and bounds if the Gophers hope to stop their opponents on the ground.
In 2004, there were 108 teams that had a better pass defense than Minnesota. That's not good. As you can see, coach Lockwood has his work cut out for him in the secondary. Unfortunately, I predict he will still have many long nights ahead of him. There were no solid recruits brought in to help the situation and the current players just don't have the talent to make it happen. I think a Sun Bowl appearance is in their future.
4) Michigan (8-4; 5-3)
No, that is not a typo, and I really do think the Wolverines will come in fourth this season. I'm not counting on the EA Jinx (Desmond Howard is on the cover of NCAA Football 2006), but I just think that a combination of a so-so defense, and playing in conference with three better teams ahead of them will doom them. Of course, Chad Henne could surprise everyone and be even better than we think and lead the maize and blue all the way to Pasadena.
Chad Henne, Michigan's sophomore QB, did an excellent job last year. The only problem going into 2005 is that Braylon Edwards is not there to turn mistakes into 80-yard touchdown receptions. Henne will miss Edwards, but he will still have Mike Hart to hand the ball off to.
Mike Hart will anchor the running back position for the Wolverines this season. He had an excellent freshman campaign with almost 1,500 yards last year. The offense will even more focused on him, so achieving these totals should be possible. Michigan will need backups Max Martin and Kevin Grady to give Hart enough rest so that he doesn't wear down during the season.
Jason Avant and Steve Breaston are hungry and ready to prove that they can carry the torch that Braylon Edwards gave to them. Avant will serve as Michigan's pass-catching receiver, while Breaston gives them a solid deep threat. While I am sold on Avant's ability, I just don't know how good Breaston will be. He's been inconsistent in his three previous years, so he will have a lot to prove.
There was a debate in a previous column as to which school is Quarterback U. There is no disputing that Michigan is OL U. Every year, the Wolverines crank out top quality talent at every line position. This year is no exception. Adam Stenavich is outstanding and will be an All-American, while Matt Lentz is almost a lock to secure conference honors. Mike Hart should flourish with this strong line ahead of them, and this group will wear down many of their opponents.
In 2005, Michigan best defense will be their offense. However, when their defense does take the field, there will still be plenty of players to watch; most notably Lamaar Woodley.
Woodley has been used at both the linebacker at defensive end positions. He seems to be more suited for the end position as his pass-rushing is truly fierce. The rest of the defensive line is solid as well. Gabe Watson and Pat Massey will help form one of the best defensive lines in the country. They have three players on the line that could be in the NFL. Unfortunately, those are the only three in the entire defense that will be playing on Sunday anytime soon.
The linebackers will be true to Big 10 form by being strong against the run and much weaker against the pass. Scott McClintock is the prototypical Michigan 'backer with excellent vision and agility to match. Prescott Burgess will be the player to watch, and he will have to further develop his pass defending skills if Lloyd Carr's team is to be successful.
The 2005 Michigan secondary will be filled with new faces. Leon Hall and Grant Mason will be the corners, and Ryan Mundy will combine with Brandent Englemon to form the safety crew. This unit may have trouble in the early going, as they figure out how to work as a unit. Communication is crucial for defensive backs, and this only comes with game experience. This squad has the potential to be solid, but it may be a case of "too little, too late."
3) Purdue (8-3; 6-2)
Whoever created the 2005 Big 10 schedule must be a Purdue fan. The Boilemakers miss both Michigan and Ohio State, and their toughest road game is at Minnesota. The schedule is tailor-made for success, and Joe Tiller's team just has to capitalize on it.
Purdue was the first Big 10 team to realize that you can actually win a game by passing the ball. Drew Brees and Kyle Orton excelled in Purdue's precision passing game, and Brandon Kirsch, Purdue's starting quarterback, will be the best player no one has ever heard of.
Kirsch is the type of QB who believes in substance more than style — it may not look pretty, but he'll get the job done. He can make plays with his arm and he will not hesitate to tuck the ball and run. If he's smart, he will let Jerod Void do the running. Void is the projected the starter at running back and he will most likely platoon with Brandon Jones. Together, these guys, along with redshirt freshman Kory Sheets will gain over 1,000 yards.
Purdue's offense has always relied upon excellent pass catchers to be successful. This season, Dorien Bryant and Kyle Ingraham will team up to be one of the most feared tandems in the country. Bryant has sick talent and will spend most of his Saturdays on the way to the end zone. Ingraham, at 6-9, presents huge matchup problems. Repeat after me: "jump ball in the end zone, caught by Ingraham!"
The offensive line is not spectacular, but they are serviceable. Mike Otto will be the star of the unit. Jordan Grimes and Matt Turner will also assist. Purdue's line does not have to be fantastic — they just need to give Brandon Kirsch enough time to find his superstar receivers.
The defensive line for the Boilemakers this season may be their best ever. Ray Edwards and Anthony Spencer are superstars, and they may just be the best pair in the country. Purdue's defense starts with these guys, and the defensive line is really going to surprise a lot of teams. This is the final piece of the puzzle for Joe Tiller's squad to be able to compete with the elite.
There isn't too much off a dropoff in talent at linebacker. All the starters return and George Hall is their undisputed leader. He had 92 tackles last year, and he will be leading the team once again this year. The key to this unit will be their pass defense. The Boilemakers could really play a lot of cover two this season because of their dominating defensive line. It will depend on how these guys do in the passing game.
Purdue's secondary is not the greatest, but its not terrible, either. Once again, everyone is coming back, so at least they are used to playing with each other. Bernard Pollard is an oversized safety, who will provide excellent run support. Pollard and the rest of the crew will have to not make the mistakes they made last year, and Purdue just might come out on top in December.
2) Ohio State (9-2; 7-1)
The Buckeyes have found themselves in the limelight ever since winning one of the best National Championship Games in history. The Maurice Clarett fiasco played out like Thursday night TV and I don't even want to start talking about Troy Smith. I think that Jim Tressel's team will be ready to play, and with all of the scandals behind them, they will also be ready to win.
In 2005, all Buckeye fans will attempt to keep their eyes on Ted Ginn. He is, bar-none, the best athlete in America. He is the most valuable player on this team and he does just about everything on it. He returns kicks, punts, and has enough spare time to find the end zone via lining up as a split end. The key to the season will be how well the coaching staff adjusts the offense around Mr. Ginn.
The man responsible for getting Ted Ginn the ball on offense will be Justin Zwick. Zwick has underperformed throughout his career, but he just might be ready to shine. At Tressel U, all the quarterback has to do is not lose the game. I certainly think that Zwick will do just fine, but if not Troy Smith or even Todd Boeckman could get a shot.
The running game is not nearly as strong as in years past, but this year it doesn't need to be. Antonio Pittman and Eric Haw will platoon and give the Bucks decent numbers on the ground. Their inexperience may hurt them, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of balls left on the turf. Fortunately, Ohio State will be throwing the ball much more in 2005, and they have some very capable targets.
I've already heaped enough praise on Ted Ginn, so let's talk about Santonio Holmes. Holmes also has excellent speed with good hands to boot. He should put up much better numbers than last season, as he is going to get the ball more. He can go deep and run good routes, so I see him getting a lot of touches. Roy Hall, Devon Lyons, and Ryan Hamby will also get some catches.
The defensive line for the Buckeyes will be solid, but not spectacular. Quinn Pitcock was the leading tackler out of the group last season, and he should be their star in 2005. Marcus Green, Jay Richardson, and David Patterson will also see significant playing time. The key for the linemen will be to lock on to an offensive player so their stellar linebackers can make the plays.
The linebacking unit at Ohio State is the best in the nation. A.J. Hawk had a mind-blowing 141 tackles last season, and has to be the favorite for the Butkus Award. He has 4.4 speed, and at 240 pounds, that it one scary combination. Bobby Carpenter is a guy that just makes plays. He is a no-nonsense type of football player and he gets the job done. Anthony Schlegel and Mike D'Andrea will secure the middle linebacker chores, and this unit will make the Buckeyes' defense very tough in the interior.
Ohio State secondary is one of the best in the conference. Ashton Youbody is their best cover man and Donte Whitner is the best tackler. They have plenty of speed and all of these guys have played with each other before. The most important game this season may be in September for the Bucks, and if they can run the table in the early going, they will most likely win the conference.
1) Iowa (10-1; 7-1)
The Iowa Hawkeyes have the best shot of representing a Big 10 team in Pasadena this year. Even though this year's Rose Bowl is not slated to feature the traditional Pac-10/Big 10 matchup, the Hawks just might crash the party.
The Hawkeyes start 2005 with tremendous momentum from last season. The Capitol One Bowl against LSU was one of the most amazing games I have ever seen. Iowa won on an amazing touchdown pass from Drew Tate with only seconds left. It just might have been the greatest play since some guy named [Doug] Flutie got his prayers answered 20 years ago.
Drew Tate, Iowa's starting quarterback, is the unquestioned leader of the offense. He had a tremendous season last year, throwing for almost 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. He will have an even better season this year, and he's an early favorite for the Heisman in 2006. The only issue I have with this offense is how productive are they going to be on the ground.
Iowa didn't really produce much on the ground last season. They were ranked 116th (which is almost unimaginable in the Big 10) in rushing yards last season. It was mainly due to injury, but the talent level must improve this season or the gains will still be minimal. Marques Simmons and Sam Brownlee will both try to improve on their efforts from last season, and if either can be productive, watch out.
Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon will once again be the receiving tandem for the Hawkeyes. They bring upperclassmen leadership and skills to a group who I expect to have a big season. Hinkel, Drew Tate's favorite target, is an excellent pass-catcher and can make just about any play. Solomon is the big-play guy, and can break a game wide open with his blazing speed.
The offensive line will be stronger this season, and will be one of the best in the conference. These guys will surprise some people, as many pundits feel that they are a notch below the best in the Big 10. Mike Elgin and Lee Gray will be the leaders on an all-upperclassmen starting lineup that will be very solid.
On defense, the line is the major concern for Hawkeye fans. They lost three very talented players to graduation, and this will be the area that teams will try to exploit. The starters had a combined total of nine tackles last season, so they must get ready in a hurry.
The linebacking corps, on the other hand, will be one of the best in the country. Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway are among the top duos in America, and will prove it this season. These guys combined for 229 tackles in 2004 and they will need to do even better this year. Hodge will be the primary stopper against the run, and Greenway will shut down opposing backs and tight-ends in pass coverage.
The Hawkeye secondary will be among the best in the conference again this season. They have two seniors at cornerback (Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen) and the safeties have had playing time together as well. The key to this unit will be how well Marcus Paschal does after coming back from ACL surgery. He is not yet slated to start, but if he can even play as well as he did before he got injured, Iowa fans will be very pleased.
The key to this team's season will be the game against Ohio State in Columbus on September 24. If the Hawkeyes win that one, they just might go undefeated, and make me look like a genius. They won't sneak up on anyone anymore, but they have the talent to win the conference outright.
Also, see previews for the Pac-10 and SEC. Stay tuned for more college football previews!
June 24, 2005
Tommy:
On Sept. 25th you may have to do some reflecting on who really will win the Big 10. It won’t be Iowa!
June 24, 2005
Dave Noonan:
Your Ohio State review is pretty good, but with one glaring error. Unless something extraordinary happens between now and September, Troy Smith, not Justin Zwick, will be the starting QB for all but the first game. JZ will start that game, against Miami of Ohio, because Troy will still be serving his suspension.
June 24, 2005
Adam Whitfield:
Tedd Ginn Jr. is not “bar none” the best athlete in the country. That title is up for dispute. Reggie Bush and Marcus Vick are just as good if not better and this season will prove it. And those are a just a few I could mention. The fact that you have Michigan number four in the big ten is a joke. The Buckeyes are the only team that should be ranked ahead of the Wolverines. Iowa has a good team on paper, but stats and preseason awards don’t always transfer on to the field. Im not even going to address Purdue. They don’t even know what offense they are going to run this season. Who do they have on defense?
June 24, 2005
Alex:
Penn State may not win the Big Ten but they surely won’t be at the bottom with Illinois. I can’t wait to see the pundits swallow their pride after Ohio State leaves Happy Valley with one in the loss column.
June 24, 2005
cspears:
Are you kidding me? Michigan picked 4th in the Big Ten? Michigan has finished no worse than tie for 2nd in the last 8 years.
2004 Tie for 1st place
2003 1st place
2002 2nd place
2001 2nd place
2000 1st place
1999 Tie 2nd place
1998 Tie 1st place
1997 1st place
This year Michigan is going to have a renewed sense of vigor on D and this is going to be a Breaston Break Out Year. Before Big Ten play Henne will be on the Heisman watch list, mark my words. 12-0 this year for Big Blue!
June 25, 2005
Ryan Kleve:
This is why I read ESPN.com. It is understandable that you have Iowa and OSU in front of Michigan. Michigan is the two time defending Big Ten title holders and have not finished lower than second in Big Ten standings in eight years. To have Purdue ahead of them is flat out stupid.
June 25, 2005
Mike Smith:
Big Blue should never be underrated. They had a steller recruiting year, and return a lot of great talent. They may suffer a few adjustment losses early on, but they’ll be ready for the Big Game (at home against Ohio State).
Speaking of Ohio State, if they beat Texas, they should be ranked No. 2, and stay there with each win until the Big Game at Mich. Based on your praise of OSU talent, I wonder you don’t put them first. Ohio state has suffered seriously without a running back threat. There can be no dominance without a multi-dimensional offensive success. Tedd Ginn and other excellent offensive weapons, Holmes, et al., will simply become predictable by years end. This was one reason why Troy Smith became so necessary; he supplied the missing running threat. Also, Michigan has trouble with the mobile quarterback.
Purdue and Iowa deserve high recognition, and will likely wind up in good bowl games. I don’t think Iowa has the strength to overcome Ohio State this year.
June 25, 2005
otis:
Purdue may well be the 3rd best team in the Big Ten and win it all going undefeated. They should be favored in every game they play this year. Their Big Ten title and BCS bowl birth likely will be decided in the Iowa game. Iowa recently capitalized on not having to play OSU and now Purdue gets the benefit of avoiding Michigan also.
June 26, 2005
Travis Jensen:
Sorry Avery but your Hawkeye information could use a little touch up. Sam Brownlee might not even see the field this year let alone be an integral part of the team. Also Iowa lost 4 starters to graduation and on the O-line Lee Gray is injured.
June 26, 2005
nealy:
Wow. I can’t decide which is more ridiculous: UM with 3 losses or Iowa with 1.
June 26, 2005
K.J. Anderson:
To Adam Whitfield: Purdue has 11 starters back on defense. That shouldn’t be overlooked (but I guess you did, didn’t ya).
To CSpears: If Michigan goes 12-0 this year, I’ll drive a riding lawnmower from NE to MI in a speedo. Michigan will definitely lose to IOWA in Iowa City.
To Tommy: Come Sept. 25th there’s going to be alot of unhappy Buckeyes. OSU is overrated as usual. Sure they’re tough at home, but they won’t stop IOWA. The Hawkeyes are too physical for the Bucknuts and Tate just simply refuses to lose.
June 26, 2005
Zac:
Tate didn’t refuse to lose last year in Ann Arbor did he? Enjoy it while it lasts purdue and Iowa.
wont live up to the hype, when it comes down it it its always going to be OSU & Michigan
June 26, 2005
kjanderson:
OSU and Michigan have good programs, sure, but they always live in the interest of past accomplishments and are rated high regardless of thier returning players. I swear Michigan would be ranked in the top ten if Mickey Mouse was their quarterback.
The reason Purdue is being projected to do so well is because they miss Mich. and Ohio State on their schedule, and IOWA is a home game for them.
IOWA has alot of talent returning, including the All-Big Ten quarterback, four starting offensive linemen and key veterans on defense. Oh, and the Hawkeyes have a 21-game winning streak at home. Iowa City is one of the toughest places to play in the country — just ask Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, et al. Michigan WILL NOT beat IOWA at Kinnick Stadium.
June 26, 2005
kjanderson:
Oh yeah, Zac … don’t for get IOWA has beaten Michigan 2 of the past three years with less talent and absolutely embarrassed Ohio State by 4 TOUCHDOWNS last year. The only reason Ohio State scored was because IOWA was ahead 33-0 and put in their second and third teamers. The Buckeyes scored a touchdown in the last 1:55 when the game was all but a memory.
Michigan is a perenial power, but they always lose games they shouldn’t and play below their potential — NOTRE DAME comes to mind. You simply can’t say that about a team like IOWA. Their coaches always have them ready to play and they usually accomplish more with less talent than the Michigans and Ohio States of the world.
…. and Mich always has struggles in Iowa City. Remember 2003? Iowa had no business winning that game. In 2001 the Hawkeyes led most of the game until a circus catch by a receiver in the final minutes saved the game. They had twice the talent that year, but barely won. That’s the difference between a Kirk Ferentz coached team and a LLoyd Carr coached team.
Ohio State on the other hand, usually has one of the best teams MONEY CAN BUY, so you have to keep that in mind.
June 27, 2005
Emanuel:
The man responsible for getting the ball to Ginn will be Troy Smith not Zwick. Put in a tape of the Michigan game or any game after Iowa. Every knowledgable buckeye knows that.
June 27, 2005
Doug:
Iowa Will domintate the big ten as long as we can keep Frerentz. We love him. GO HAWKS
June 27, 2005
kyle:
The Iowa running game will surprise people this year and their defensive line will be tough enough to give Iowa the #1 defense in the country. All I can say is Michigan, Ohio State, and Purdue better be ready!! We’ll see if they can walk the talk.
June 27, 2005
Barry Marton:
Purdue can back door everyone wih a win at home against Iowa. Big Blue can’ beat aanyone in Pasadena, so it is a good thing that they will not end up there again this season. The Ohio State-Texas non-con game this year may be the best game involving a Big 10 Team. I don’t see a serious contender for the National Championship in the Big 10. While the conference is very competitive, the Big 10 Champ can not compee with the Champs from the Pac 10, Big 12, or SEC.
June 27, 2005
kjanderson:
Can’t compete with the Champs from the Big 12 ??
HA HA HA HA HA HA!
Yeah. Oklahoma put on a good show last year, huh.
June 27, 2005
Zack:
Michigan #4 ? maybe if this years sophmores and juniors were freshman but they already showed everyone that they can handle the pressure at UM. Only weak spots are secondary positions which should only give our D-line more incentive for sacks and tackles for loss. Also breaston is “unreliable”… HE’S ALREADY A HEISMAN FRONT-RUNNER !!!
June 27, 2005
Avery is a moron:
Michigan at #4? You must be borderline retarded.
June 28, 2005
Jacob Leonhardt:
Picking Michigan fourth? What? How do you come to this conclusion? Lets see, two time defending Big Ten Champions, two straight Rose Bowl appearances, Big Ten freshman of the year in Michael Hart and the best offensive line in the country. Yes, the Iowa game will be a big best for Blue; Michigan will wear them down in the trenches. Another thing, whoever wrote this is a Michigan hater. I hear them constantly. When you’re at the top, every year, everyone hates you, that is a given, but come on, fourth place?!! That’s just rediculous.
June 29, 2005
Barrett:
At least you got the number of games played in 2005 correct. Avery, you are on your way my man!!!
June 30, 2005
D.Russ:
gotta love it when scUM fan sees their little team ranked 4th. It is a online review, not SI College preview or something. What fragile egos they have.
Purdue could come out of this thing the Big Ten Champ only because they miss OSU and scUM.
Iowa can win all the pre-season praise they want, but you gotta play the games. They WILL NOT beat tOSU in c-bus, not gonna happen.
scUM won’t win in iowa. scUM might have a lot of problems this year. That team is gonna need a good coaching year to keep them on track, we will see what LLLoyd has left.
So it is all gonna come down to the third sat. in nov. as usual. So, Iowa Purdue Minn etc…you guys just relax, and let the big boys figure this out.
GO BUCKS!
June 30, 2005
kyle:
Russ, OSU will be lucky to score in the Iowa game. It’s hard to win if your sitting at 0. What has changed so much from last year to make you think that the Bucks will be so much better than every other team. They did score last year when the Hawkeyes put in their second team. Can’t hardly wait for the game.
July 1, 2005
Chris Galoski:
how dare you pick my beloved suckeyes 2nd behind Iowa? everyone knows that tOSU is the bestest team in the whle world every year, & that Saint Tressel will win National Championships for the rest of eternity. I used to work for tOSU, so I know this is fact
July 1, 2005
Everett:
Wolverines at #4? You must be a mad man or insane. Have you ever watched Michigan play or not. They put up some of the best numbers and player in the country and to degrade them like that is just disrespectful.
July 4, 2005
worm2:
> from Duluth to Minnesota
seriously, i know it’s fly over land but duluth is in MN. i’m sure you were going for from duluth to minneapolis. but duluth to rochester would have made you seem like an insider. your whole credibility now has been compromised.
July 4, 2005
David:
I don’t see Michigan at # 4 BUT I can tell you that if IOWA beats OSU …Katie bar the door. Ferentz will have that D line ready. and moreover you have two linebackers to finish off anything.
Henkle and Soloman two experienced receivers and if a RB shows up they are better then last year. Same offense as last year except with 12 players instead of 11
July 6, 2005
wowdoyouwatchcollegefootball?:
Michigan #4? Did your wife choose the teams for you Avery.. or did OSU boosters slip you some dough to hype up their overrated team a little more? The funny thing is that last year was more of a rebuilding year than this year (New QB, RB), and we still kept the Big Ten title. The team only got better. The D line and O line are among the best in the country. Noone will be able to stop the offense (200+ yrds/game on the ground alone). Try to stop the three-headed monster of Hart, Grady and Martin.. we’ll just throw it to one of our stud receivers. The only weakness on this team is the secondary and by the third game an underclassmen will certainly emerge.
(depth is really never an issue). So wake up and realize that the Wolverines never finish worse than second in the Big Ten.. they are much more likely to win the national title than to finish 4th in the Big Ten this year.
Go smoke another one, Avery.
July 7, 2005
Jeremy B:
I must admit that i have never typed in a comment on the web ever. But I am a die hard MICHIGAN fan and it is July and I am in despirate need of FOOTBALL. And I come across this website and i cant believe somone made time to make this website and is dumb enough to think my WOLVERINES are coming in forth?? You must either be a buckeye fan or just a hater…… LOOK for them boys to be playing for NATIONAL TITLE this year…… We won’t loose a game and either Hart or Henne to take home the HEISMANN. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!
July 7, 2005
F. Yost:
I too am a Michigan fan, and i do believe in miracles…1969…Tishmonga Biakabatuka…the list goes on. But let’s look at some hard facts here.
Let’s look at Michigan compared to Ohio State during the 27-0 OSU scoring romp 2nd and 3rd Q’s. Each team had the ball six times. Let’s look at the results:
Rushing yards:
OSU 177
Mich 3
Avg Rush
OSU 6.3
Mich .3 (that’s right 12 inches)
Passing Yards
OSU 169 avg gain 8.9 53% comp
Mich 65 avg gain 4.0 44% comp
Return yards
OSU 126
Mich 0
Avg Length of drive
OSU 57.6 yards
Mich 11.3
First Downs
OSU 14
Mich 3
For every yard Michigan rushed OSU scored 9 points. OSU scored more yards rushing on its last possession than Michigan had all game.
72% of Ohio State’s offense came from big plays(10 or more yards).
In just two quarters and including return yardage, OSU 466 yards to Michigan 68.
This was OSU’s third win out of four in the new decade which already sees Ohio State with one national title…and they are predicted to be even stronger in 05!!!
Poor Michigan on the new decade is now third in win % behind both Iowa and Ohio State. Ohio State has redefined the term “Big Two”. The Big Two now looks like the OSU offense and the OSU defense. With the national audience and a Heisman candidate to show off OSU will not show mercy on Michigan this year as they did last year…Yes, they did turn the power switch off after victory was secure.
Unless we can perform a miracle, the stats suggest an OSU win.
BTW here is a little known fact. Michigan has the best defensive record overall between the years 1954-2004 with an average of 14.2 yield Ohio State is second with a 14.4 yield. Between those same years OSU is the winningest team in the country with Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn. State, and Michigan following in that order. Between those years 1954-2004 OSU has the best record in the Big Ten and a winning record against every other team. Michigan has a winning record against every team except OSU.
Guess what Ohio State would like to add to their most winning crown??? You got it. To take that one record from Michigan at Ann Arbor by dominating Michigan. They know the record of 50 points by OSU in ‘61 and ‘68. i am telling you folks, this Ohio State team is geared from all that I gather. A national title is expected. If they come into Ann Arbor undefeated, and I believe that they will, we will need to believe in miracles. Hopefully it will be one of those Saturdays where I lose my voice.
July 8, 2005
wowdoyouwatchcollegefootball?:
Geez.. you really pick and choose which stats to pay attention to when making your claim.
So, who has the most wins and best winning percentage of all-time again?
Who is currently the two-time defending Big Ten champ? Oh.. that’s right.. its Michigan.
July 8, 2005
Marc James:
And how much of the past actually matters going into the season? Zero. Numbers and records are just that: text on a page. None of it matters on the field.
July 8, 2005
Jeff Pine:
sorry hawkeyes, buckeyes, no chance n stopping the wolverines this year! Maybe the 3 best running backs n the nation all on one team. 3 capable heisman canadates with henne, hart, and breaston. Lets not forget about jason avant who flat out does not drop balls. Iowa came down to a bs call n iowa 2 years ago i was there and u girls were scared as we came back to only get screwed on a perry touchdown called back, we well dominate the game on the ground, against your “outstanding backers”. OSU same result 2 years ago n the House. Hail 2 the Victors
July 8, 2005
kyle:
The Big Ten is really tough. Which ever team comes out on top will earn it. I just look forward to all the great games and all this talk on this page is meaningless cuz we can’t go and play the games for our teams. All I know is I wouldn’t bet against my Hawkeyes and wouldn’t trade for any other talent on any team. I can’t hardly wait til September. Good luck to all the Big Ten teams and hopefully one of them will come out National Champs.
July 9, 2005
F. Yost:
wowdoyouwatchcollegefootball,
MICHIGAN!!!! I do hope you are right
July 13, 2005
Jeremy B:
This is to F.Yost you mark my words Hart will have close to 200yrds and Henne will have a couple TDs. We will stomp the buckeyes and send them home crying. I think one thing you missed in all your stats you did doing your homework, is that going into last season most Michigan fans did not know what to expect but one thing we knew is that somebody was going to step it up because we are the team with the best win% of all times…….not from 54-04!!!!! ALLTIME!!!!!! That means we are the B E S T ! And to think going into the season not knowing what to think, two freshman have some of the best freshman seasons in big ten history. And split the big ten championship. What can you say about that……. They will not be freshman next year so i don’t understand why people think we are going to be weaker next year……just stupid….We have won two in a row and we will make it three……. I am not one for a lot of talking but you will see it come november……… GO BLUE!!!!!
P.S……. Jason Avant will have a better season than Edwards had last year…..
July 13, 2005
sam:
For those people who still don’t give Iowa the credit they deserve, ( 10 plus wins each of the past 3 seasons) just wait and see when they are playing USC for the National Championship!
July 15, 2005
Dale:
Not sure where you M-chicken fans get your stats?
July 16, 2005
Scott:
I know Iowa has had some terrific years lately, and they’re definitely a solid program again this year. BUT … I can’t help noticing that last year, against Purdue, Minnesota, and Penn State, their opponents turned the ball nearly half a dozen times in each of those games, and yet Iowa could only win by 2 each time. I’m not going to pick Iowa for any national championships until they prove they can win when the bounces don’t go overwhelmingly their way.
July 17, 2005
PAC10 OWNS U:
Hello big10 fans. I really feel bad for u guys who actually cheer for such a conference. The last cou0ple of years your conference plays like div 3 teams. Michingan in the 2003-2004 Rose bowl getting dominated up and down the field by USC and then in the 2004-2005 season getting beat by Texas was Michigan once again. Last year a real conference by the name of the PACIFIC 10 went 4-2 vs the big12. Wisconsin only beating the worst team in the pac10 9-7. ASU killed Iowa 44-7 which was if i do not remember one of your better teams. In the bowl games in 2005 the big10 teams like MICHIGAN, OHIO STATE, and PURDUE all lost and if it wasn’t for a Hail mary at the end of the game IOWA would also be in the pittifull list of big10 teams. YES, YES it is a new year and u do look to beat the pac10 from ther greatness. All i have to say is good luck cuz the pac10 isnt going ne wher. Wer going to win the national title for the 3 year and a row and i exxpect other teams like OREGON, CAL , ASU, and UCLA to be right up ther. And don’t start talking bout how good of a year ur having until u start playing a real conference(pac10, acc, and sec)
PAC10 U CANT TOUCH THIS
July 17, 2005
F. Yost:
Big Ten predictions:
1. Ohio State
2. Iowa
3. Michigan
4. Purdue
the rest of the conference
July 17, 2005
kyle:
Pac10 Fan, you obviously didn’t watch the Iowa/LSU game. As far as Arizona State, your right we did get our tails kicked. However, they regrouped and found ways to win even without a running game. The Pac10 pretty much only has one team(USC). As I’ve said before, lets let the games be played before talking trash. Go Hawkeyes!!
July 17, 2005
shane:
Penn State is gonna be better than osu and michigan u dont kno wat your talkin about
BEST DEFENSE IN THE BIG TEN
July 18, 2005
wowdoyouwatchcollegefootball?:
Pac 10 fan: I can tell you are mildly retarted by your posting..so I won’t be so hard on you. You should know that USC is the only good team in the Pac 10, though. The Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC are all better by leaps and bounds..
Hey Shane, somebody needs to tell Joe Pa to get some new glasses. Those coke bottles he has now aren’t cutting it because he can’t see the obvious. He has driven that program into the ground and they have become the laughing-stock of the Big Ten. You’ll be lucky if they break .500.
July 18, 2005
Jeff P:
kyle i shouldnt even respond to your cry for the pac 10, but u leave me no choice- the ONLY team r the trojans and I admitt the best team in college football, and i can openly admitt that being a wolverine fan and going two years ago 2 pasadena 2 watch my boys get there butts handed 2 them by 14… putting that asside, i do recall a contraversy last year of wether or not to send the #4 Cal bears to the Rose bowl against the wolverines… I could have only wished that was the case, even though our defense lost the game 4 us against texas we clearly outplanned them and should have won, losing n a last second field goal. What happen 2 your pac 10 cal bears n their game? Thank you- I would have gladly wooped on their bear rug if given the opportunity- Pac 10 sucks thats y usc is a 4 sure lock… Im out
July 18, 2005
Jeff P:
Yost- close but 4 the 3rd straight year it will b… 1.Michigan-going to rose bowl 4 NC
2.Purdue- will lose against Iowa though- very favorable schd- no mich or osu
3.ohio state-with lost 2 texas and Mich
4.iowa- two lost at osu and home ha ha against the national champions thats right u canaries i mean hawkeyes. keep up the good work!
July 19, 2005
Rich:
Why is noone mentioning Michigan State? I’m not fan of the sparty’s, but uh, it seems to me that they CRUSHED wisconsin/minnesota and should have crushed Michigan last year….with Stanton healthy how can they not be a front-runner? I think John L has a great thing starting to brew up there. I’m a Purdue fan, and for the record, the Spartans scare the pants off me.
July 20, 2005
Robert Brewer:
Great review of Ohio State. The Buckeyes are loaded with talent and Pittman can only get better, a little experience is all they need on offence and their defence is stunner as usual. Iowa is the biggest threat and the Michigan game is a no-brainer must-win if the Bucks are to go to Pasedena. The early schedule will make or break them, its that simple. Oh and this year will be the first time in 8 years the Wolverines finish out of the top 2(no Braylon this year).
July 20, 2005
Kirk:
I’m an Iowa fan and I’ll tell you there is no way that Mich will be 4. They will be either 1 or 2, you can count on that. I did like the comment saying that Mickey Mouse could be the quarterback for Ohio State and they would be in the top 10. I would say Ohio State is definatly overrated in this instance. Look what happened last year, everyone thought they where these tough sob’s and when they faced some real competition at the latter half of the season they folded. OSU will have to prove they can play tough the whole season. I think this season its gonna be between Mich and Iowa. It might even end in a tie again. It won’t really matter too much which one if either goes to Pacadena because it won’t matter who goes most likely they will just get embarrassed by USC anyways. You’d be better off playing in another Jan 1st bowl and winning then getting spanked by USC like Oklahoma did last year.
July 20, 2005
wowdoyouwatchcollegefootball?:
The Spartans did a good job with the spread offense last year and surprised a lot of people. The fact is, they won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year, especially Michigan. Stanton is a good QB, but he thinks he’s a LB and will go down with an injury again by midseason unless he learns to become more of a pocket passer. Finally, they can’t stop anybody, and I can’t really remember the last time they could.
July 28, 2005
BMM:
If Purdue doesn’t contend for a national title this year then they never will. They’l be at the top of the Big Ten for sure. they’re a good team with a $h!tter schedule.
August 2, 2005
AreYouCrazy:
first of all i would just like to say even though purdue has no michigan or OSU they will lose games they always do…look for it to be penn state or michigan st. second) michigan 4th is just ridiculous…i do believe maybe 3rd though..its a toss up between the buckeyes, hawkeyes, and michigan for first second and third…..iowa will lose to OSU, OSU will lose to MICH and MICH will lose to Iowa. its gonna come down to OSU losing to texas as only other loss or just who gets upset some random week…..i dont see either of the three beating both of the other two this season…but just cause im michigan biased im gonna say….1)michigan 2)iowa 3)OSU 4) who cares
August 4, 2005
Bruce Whittecar:
I enjoy reading all the banter on this web. On the up coming season. I really do not see any team going undefeated this season. Reason: strong conference and strong teams on the non-conference schedule. Each team will have ample opportunity to “slip” up at least once. Purdue with the benefit of missing the Bucks and Wolverines may just win the Big-Ten if they can decide on a offense and get that unit to gel early. OSU has to make sure all the off season problems are not a distraction and they can get consistent offensive production. Iowa has Frantz, good equalizer, but they did lose quite a bit of starters last year. Defense may be the question. MSU: Jeckle and Hyde complex. Who do you get week to week? Good offensive, questionable Defensive. PSU: If they ever get a productive offensive they could be scary. N’Western: will give a few teams problems and may just get a few upsets. Minnesota: hard to fiqure. Potentially a very good ground game and a their recievers are not bad either. Michigan is their problem. If they get by Big Blue this year they may be the surprise team of the conference. Illinois and Indiana: works in progress, time will tell. Now for Michigan. Very good “O” line, Good “D” line. Very good depth at Running Back. QB: Henne will turn out to be a very good one. Recievers: good. Yes missing Edwards is a negative. Would be for any program. Weakness: secondary and they have to address a glaring problem that has existed for a few years. Mobile QB’s. Hopeful their new Defensive Line couch will get that solved. Michigan has not had a proto-type Michigan defense either for the past few years. Herrman has got to get that solved. There is way too much talent on this team for any thing but. Have a so-so defense this year and it has to point to coaching. One other factor that i see. Michigan has gotten into the habit of not playing to their potential week in and week out. This hasn’t happened since the “97” season. Now before I am blasted from UofM fans I am a advit Wolverine fan, since 1967! That’s a while! Been through Bump, Bo, Gary and LLoyd. So i think my comments are just. Go Blue!!
August 5, 2005
rock:
PSU will have a solid year…their schedule looks really favorable (too bad they do not play that over-rated Iowa this year, so they can beat all four of the top predicted Big Ten teams) JoePa will retire with a 2005 BigTen Championship and possibly even a 05 national championship (now that will depends on the lousy Ncaa voting system)
August 8, 2005
Bob:
Iowa fans are pretty funny. Ohio State is 20-4-1 in the last 25 meetings against the Hawkeyes. Suddenly, after one win last year, Iowa is a worldbeater?
Last year, OSU went into a BIG 3 game funk…and you can blame Tressel for not using Ginn…but this year will be different.
Troy Smith is only about 400 times better than the QB you saw - Zwick.
August 25, 2005
Dontrell Hicks:
First of All Michigan Sucks, everyone they have left sucks…what are they gonna do without braylon who also sucks by the way. he took the phrase “hey look ma, no hands” to a new level. (yeah that td vs lions was against someone who wont ever ever make an nfl squad) there defense is gonna be sub-par they wont be able to stop ne one on offense esp troy smith who can run all over them and D.Tate who will throw the ball at will. they’re lucky they got 4th shoulda been purdue/iowa at 1 and 2 then osu minn. maybe mich at 5. msu will give em a run for there money… and all this talk about purdue being shit? Kyle I. is 6’9” …yeah like some 5’8” db’s gonna jump wit him u must be crazy….and for all u ted ginn lovers , look at a tape of Vince Young thats what u call an athlete(actually the best) if u dont believe watch last years rose bowl where he made a mockery of uofm..big 10 teams cant really compete on a national level, they’re just to slow. there goin to war with .22’s and up against uzi’s and AK’s what r u gonna do?
(wanna respond hit me up at [email protected] yeah i go to mich so what) longhorns opponents get out the kY cuz VY is gonna give it 2 ya