It’s almost that time of year: where I switch from Big Ten football power rankings to Big Ten basketball power rankings. Because in a a week or so, the hoops rankings will be a lot more fun to do than gridiron. Also, I’m an Illinois alum, did my MBA at Michigan State. So I’m Big Ten through and through; and of course, those two schools are a weeeeee bit better at college basketball than college football.
So it may be time to say goodbye to the Big Ten football power rankings really soon. There just isn’t enough room in my life to do both at the same time.
Northwestern grad Rachel Markle also known as actress Meghan Markle, stole the show among Gameday signs on ESPN College Gameday from Evanston this week. More on her here.
Some other Gameday signs you really should see
1. Ohio State Buckeyes 6-0, (2-0)
Carlos Hyde broke down emotionally and teared up when answering questions about his suspension, missing football because of it, and possibly maturing from it.
Carlos Hyde was suspended because he allegedly hit a woman. However, the charges were dropped.
Skip ahead in the video to the 3 minute mark. The first three minutes are all boring cliches and presser platitude boiler plate. Trust me, nothing good happens in this video until around the 3:15 mark.
2. Northwestern Wildcats 4-1, (0-1)
The #15 Northwestern Wildcats had #3 Ohio State right where they wanted them. NU had the nation’s third-ranked team on the ropes in the 4th quarter, as they led 23-13. We’ve been here before. In 2012, Northwestern held leads of at least ten in each of their three losses. Had they found/gotten the coffee (“because coffee is for closers only”) and closed the deal versus Nebraska at home, Michigan and Penn State on the road, what might have happened?
If 2012 Northwestern went undefeated, would they have given Alabama a better game than Notre Dame did?
Well, that’s neither here nor there, as history repeated itself once again.
OSU had their way with the Northwestern Wildcats, winning 40-30 and once again, NU blew a double digit 4th quarter lead versus a name brand Big Ten opponent. Pat Fitzgerald is now 5-14 in his career versus ranked opponents.
3. Wisconsin Badgers 3-2 (1-1)
Bye Week, commentary skipped
4a. Michigan State Spartans 4-1 (1-0)
OMG 277 Yards Passing! Holy s#$%^^^^^^!!**((. That’s usually about three games worth.
4b. Michigan Wolverines 5-0 (1-0)
Finally, a “pretty win,” a “complete win.” Because Devin Gardner the player performed like Devin Gardner the hype.
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers 4-1 (1-0)
They had to schedule the Illini for Homecoming, didn’t they? I have to admit it’s a solid plan, year-in, year-out. The Huskers OL got much better. Defense got healthy. Still has major issues but looked much better
7a. Iowa Hawkeyes 4-2, (1-1)
a bowl bid looks likely. For realzies. And might be enough to cool off Ferentz’s seat.
7b. Indiana Hoosiers 3-2 (1-0)
I said in my season preview in June, they might actually go to a bowl
9. Illinois Fighting Illini 3-2 (0-1)
They will not be going to a bowl to say the least. But I still believe 5 wins possible. 4 for sure. Well, hopefully. Josh Ferguson came to play Saturday. Can’t really say anyone else other Jonathan Brown did though. MORE Aaron Bailey!
10. Penn St. Nittany Lions 3-2 (0-1)
New lows in unhappy valley. Two really bad losses that you haven’t seen with this program in ages.
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers 4-2, (0-2)
Wishing Jerry Kill the best of health, and he’s got to do what’s best for him. I know coaches live for this, it’s all they do. However, it’s clear now that he needs to step away from it. It’s too harmful to his well-being.
12. Purdue Boilermakers 1-4 (0-1)
Cincinnati, who obliterated them into a thousand little pieces, lost to a previously winless South Florida team. USF lost to FCS foe McNeese State. Definitely worst in the Big Ten
Listen to me every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT talking Illini and Northwestern on 1620 The Zone.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. An analyst for 95.7 The Fan and 1620 The Zone, he also writes for Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks), Facebook, and RSS