We are almost half way through the B1G conference season, and the Leader’s Division looks all but wrapped up at this point. The clear best two teams are ineligible for the post season, which leaves Wisconsin with a large advantage in going back to Indianapolis or the second straight year. The Badgers are the only team in this division (outside of Penn State and Ohio State) that have a conference win. The Legends Division could be closer to decided after this weekend when then top contenders meet up in Lincoln.
The Good:
I am just going to go with the entire Penn State team for this first bullet. They went into Kinnick Stadium and put down one of the most defining beat downs of the season for the B1G. They had not won there since 1999, but in Bill O’Brien’s first season they built up a 38-0 lead before allowing two late touchdowns. The Nittany Lions were firing on all cylinders, both offensively and defensively. This weekend’s showdown in the ineligi-bowl should be fun.
Taylor Martinez continued as the B1G’s most efficient passer. Yes, that is correct. The B1G is struggling to produce real threats in the passing game, but he has come a long ways from last season. Even in good years, Martinez would be near the top with a 67% completion rate. He shredded the Northwestern defense with 342 passing yards, 65 rushing yards, and 4 touchdowns. It looks like Braxton Miller has some competition for B1G offensive player of the year.
Wisconsin’s running attack continues to put up big numbers. It is still a little unknown if this is due to their offensive line improvement combined with Montee Ball and company hitting the holes with less hesitation, or the horrible B1G rushing defenses. It will be fun to see them up against Michigan State’s defense this weekend.
The Bad:
For the first time I will put Ohio State’s offense. They were all but shut down against Purdue for most of the game. The same Purdue that has given up over 300 rushing yards in their first two conference games. Miller and Hyde combined for just 135 yards before Braxton got thrown to the ground like a rag doll. The Buckeye team seems to be skating by in a lot of games this season, and looks primed for a loss to refocus them.
Northwestern blew another double digit 4th quarter lead. If they only played 3 quarters, the Wildcats would be undefeated still and looking like a real threat to make it to Indianapolis after beating 2 of the top 5 teams. Instead, they are all but out of the Legend’s Division race with Iowa and Michigan still left on the schedule.
The Ugly:
I am going to have to go with Iowa with the award this week. They are coming off what seemed like a huge conference road win in East Lansing, and were looking like a real threat in the B1G. They returned home to face Penn State and forgot to show up for the game. They were manhandled in every facet of the game. With games against Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan left, the Hawkeyes might struggle to make a bowl game.
I would say that my conference rankings are as follows:
1. Michigan (no change)
2. Ohio State (down 1)
2. Penn State (up 1)
4. Wisconsin (no change)
5. Nebraska (up 1)
6. Northwestern (down 1)
7. Michigan State (up 1)
8. Purdue (up 1)
9. Iowa (down 2)
10. Minnesota (no change)
11. Indiana (no change)
12. Illinois (no change)
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