I don't see a more favorable schedule in the Big 10. They skip Ohio State, get Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Indiana at home, and travel to Penn State, Northwestern, Illinois, and Iowa at the end of the year. I doubt they can get by Michigan, but every other team they play is beatable, and could feasibly finish the year with only one loss. They could be the Oregon State of 2000, which whooped up on Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
I have a hard time believing in Minnesota. Fun team to watch but their defense MUST improve to be a BIG TEN contender. Considering the teams they will face, coaches will try and pound it out against a suspect run defense. They gave up over 200 yards rushing to the University of OHIO and although they moved the ball at will, the defense looked extremely suspect throughout. I'd like to see them contend, but I'm not quite a believer.
Good luck....
Good luck....
I guess my point in this thread is that, other than Michigan, the Big 10 looks awful (i.e. Ohio State squeeking by San Diego State, Wisconsin losing at home to UNLV) and Minnesota is one of the few teams (Iowa too) that has looked decent. I think they have what it takes to beat PSU, NU, and Illinois on the road, and certainly MSU, Wis, and Ind. at home. That leaves Michigan at home and Iowa on the road, assuming they don't choke against the lesser teams. If they get through with only one loss they are BCS bound for sure.
Oh that it were so!! Afraid my Goofers are sadly lacking on the D side of the ball. We will score on anyone, and yes it`s true we DID get a break from the schedule maker. But we are very vulnerable. Stumblng blocks @ PSU, Ill, & Iowa. And by the time we play them Wisc. will have it`s sh*t together and won`t be easy. Call me a pessimist but less than 3 L`s WOULD surprise. I`d settle for a replay against the Hogs, this time in the Cotton Bowl. If you haven`t seen him M. Barber is the smoothest runner I`ve seen since Eric D. Not the speed but same style.
