It doesn’t look like that will be the case. Today, Iowa fell, but not to Penn State (no, they beat them gloriously – sigh – earlier this season) and not to Ohio State (they play one another next week). Iowa was stomped into the ground by none other than Northwestern.

Ok, “stomped into the ground” is a little harsh. The game ended up with a score of 17 – 10, which isn’t necessarily bad, until you realize just how mediocre  both of the teams really were today. It’s really easy to claim that this only happened because Ricky Stanzi, the Hawkeyes quarterback, got taken out with an ankle injury in the first half. That definitely contributed to the loss. I’m not buying it, though, that the team deserved to be ranked #4, with or without Stanzi. Iowa may have been undefeated, but what the records don’t show is that they’ve played sloppily in many games and almost lost more than once.

So at this point, the Big Ten title could still go to Iowa, or it could belong to either Ohio State or Penn State. After the Iowa game, all of these teams had one loss. Just a short time after, though, Ohio State and Penn State kicked off, and it quickly became apparent who had the upper hand. Personally, I think that both quarterbacks looked pretty bad today, but when it was put on the shoulders of the rest of the offense to make plays, Ohio State’s players stepped up. Penn State’s embarrassing 24 – 7 loss puts them out of the running for the title.

Yep, this was pretty much the scene all day in Happy Valley. Image: Newscom

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Michigan State finally showed that they actually remember how to play football by crushing Western Michigan 49 – 14. Michigan, on the other hand, didn’t have such a good day, losing 38 – 36 to Purdue. I will say, however, that even though Michigan’s record isn’t so good, they’re hanging in there every week and actually showing some hope for the future under Rich Rodriguez. Wisconsin held on against Indiana (for the record, I think they’re overrated too at #21, but that’s a post for another day), and Illinois overcame Minnesota 35 – 32.

The Big Ten may not be a powerhouse at this point, but hopefully they can rebuild the conference to be competitive nationally again. At least with teams like Iowa rising to such a high ranking, which teams in the Big Ten do consistently every year, they’re remaining attractive to prospective students, which can only lead to strong teams in the future.

Post from: EveryJoe

Big Ten Teams Shake Things Up

#11 Ohio State 45, #24 Northwestern 10

• Pryor at Ohio Soup
• The 2008 Ohio State – Northwestern Report Card at Buckeye Legends
• Pryor Steps Up Against Northwestern at The Buckeye Blog

#18 Michigan State 21, Purdue 7

• Michigan State Refuses to Lose at A Beautiful Day for Football

Wisconsin 55, Indiana 20

• Wisconsin Breaks Away to Defeat Indiana at Indiana Football News
• Wisconsin runs over Indiana 55-20 at Big Ten Network

Michigan 29, Minnesota 6

• UM 29, Minnesota 6: Notes, quotes & observations at Michigan Wolverines Football
• Michigan Takes Home Little Brown Jug with 29-6 Win Over Minnesota at Michigan Sports Center

Western Michigan 23, Illinois 17

• Broncos Turn Back Illinois, 23-17 at MAC Report Online
• Western Michigan the ‘better team’ in frustrating Illini loss at The Daily Illini

Iowa 24, #3 Penn State 23

(Do we really have to talk about this one? Really? Fine. Sigh. It seems like EVERYONE is talking about it anyways…)

• Iowa stuns No. 3 Penn State at Monte Asbury’s Blog
• iowa vs penn state, a game to remember at The Urban Bigfoot
• Penn State Loses to Iowa – What it means for Michigan State at Elect Jeff
• IOWA UPSETS PENN STATE 24-23 at Gridiron Goddess
• My long, Penn State, National Nightmare is over at STFU Sports Blog
• Iowa upsets undefeated Penn State at Nick’s Blog
• Penn State Upset by Iowa 24-23 at The Big Lead

(insert depressed face here)

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

(check back soon if the link isn’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 11: Blogging about the Big Ten

Northwestern 24, #17 Minnesota 17

• Last Call with Jake Simpson: Final thoughts on Saturday’s win at NU Football Insider
• Late INT lifts Northwestern past Minnesota 24-17 at Big Ten Network

#21 Michigan State 25, Wisconsin 24

• Day 2 at Just Juli
• Michigan State vs. Wisconsin at Cave Kurt’s Blog
• Sat. Final: Michigan State 25, Wisconsin 24 at Today’s TMJ4 Sports

Central Michigan 37, Indiana 34

• Welcome back, Gerry. Central Michigan 37, Indiana 34. at The Hoosier Report

Purdue 48, Michigan 42

• What the hell Michigan?!!!??!! at Sports according to Josh
• Rich Rodriguez setting records at Michigan at Top of Mind

Illinois 27, Iowa 24

• Illinois’ Glow After Beating Rival Iowa at College Football Insiders
• Ferentz talks about the loss to Illinois at Iowa Hawkeyes Football

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

(check back soon if the link isn’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 10: Blogging about the Big Ten

Indiana 21, #22 Northwestern 19

• Finally, a glimmer: Indiana 21, Northwestern 19. at The Hoosier Report
• NU-Indiana Highlights at WNUR Sports

#24 Minnesota 17, Purdue 6

• Boilermakers Fall To Minnesota 17-6 at Purdue Boilermakers News

Wisconsin 27, Illinois 17

• Wisconsin Badgers football: Illinois keeps itself in check at Badger Beat
• Badgers beat Illini to get back on track at Big Ten Network

Michigan State 35, Michigan 21

• State Defeats Michigan – it’s been a long time coming! at The Life Tussle
• MSU over Michigan in all standings at What I See Staring Into Me From the Abyss

#3 Penn State 13, Ohio State 6

• Paterno and Penn State beat Ohio State in Columbus for the First Time in 30 Years at Graney and The Pig’s Blog
• Ohio State: The day after at Read Between the Lions
• Penn State Wins — Then Riots at J Schil’s Blog
• PSU-Ohio State at Mike Harder’s Weblog

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

(check back soon if the link isn’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 9: Blogging about the Big Ten

Northwestern 48, Purdue 26

• Northwestern-Purdue Highlights at WNUR Sports
• No. 21 Purdue takes down Northwestern Big Ten Network

Iowa 38, Wisconsin 16

• Series by series: UW offense against Iowa at Wisconsin Badgers Football

#12 Ohio State 45, #20 Michigan State 7

• Ohio State Michigan State Recap at The Nut and the Feisty Weasel

#3 Penn State 46, Michigan 17

• Review, Game 8: Penn State 46, Michigan 17 at Zombie Nation
• Game 8 Recap: Penn State 46, Michigan 17 at We Want the Lion

Illinois 55, Indiana 13

• Rock bottom, yet? Illinois 55, Indiana 13. at The Hoosier Report
• IU Falls to Illinois 55-13 at 1070 The Fan

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC 

(check back soon if the link isn\\\’t live yet)

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 8: Blogging about the Big Ten

Illinois against Minnesota

• Guest Columnist: My Take on the Illinois-Minnesota Game at Paint the Town Orange
• Juiced Up Minnesota Takes Down Illinois at NCAA Football Fanhouse
• Minnesota spoils Illinois\\\\\\\’ Homecoming at The Southtown Star

Indiana against Iowa

• Indiana gets rolled by Iowa at Cannot Falter
• Season-ender: Iowa 45, Indiana 9. at The Hoosier Report

Michigan against Toledo

• Let’s make fun of Michigan some more at The Buckeye Battle Cry
• For Michigan football fans only: Profane Toledo at Change of Subject
• Pyre of the Phoenix: Michigan Football Falls to Toledo at Maize n Brew

#23 Michigan State against Northwestern

• Simon: NU backs out of the spotlight at NU Football Insider

#12 Ohio State against Purdue

• Lack of style points hurting Buckeyes at College Football Nation
• Ohio State looks ugly in win over Purdue at Ohio State Buckeyes Fooball and Baskerball

#6 Penn State against Wisconsin

• Review, Game 7: Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7 at Zombie Nation
• Nittany Notes: Wisconsin at BlueWhiteIllustrated.com

Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conference USA, Independents, Mid-American, Mountain West, Pac-10, SEC, Sun Belt, WAC

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Week 7: Blogging about the Big Ten

Post from: EveryJoe

Big Ten Media Day

Coach Ron Zook wants this to be the best home field (personally, I think they have some work to do on that considering Penn State’s school spirit). To help out this bid for “best home field,” fans can purchase an orange Zook Zone towel for $7. They’ll go on sale July 1.

$1 from each sale will go toward fighting cancer, so although I don’t condone cheering for Illinois (hehe), if you’re have to be a fan, pick up a towel. The $1 from each sale will go toward Coaches vs. Cancer.

Coaches vs. Cancer isn’t just an Illinois charity organization. This program is run by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Zook plans to present the proceeds to Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber during a basketball game next season.

If you’re a coach or fan, consider getting involved with Coaches vs. Cancer. Just a fan? No problem – pick up a towel this season. It’s a great way to cheer for your favorite team while doing your little part to make a difference in this world.

Picture via Newscom.

Post from: EveryJoe

Zook Zone to Support Coaches Vs. Cancer

I’m sorry USC fans out there. I do not like your team. I think they’re a bunch of pretty boys from Southern California who like to make jerks out of any opponent not as good as them. Ok, I’ll say it – I think they’re assholes.

Not the whole team. I’m sure there are a few nice players. And hey, I’m not too proud to admit that I think John David Booty is hot. I’d even go as far to say that he’s a decent quarterback when he’s healthy.

But the team, in general…jerks. And for the record, I’m not fond of Illinois either. That game turned really ugly really quickly, and it didn’t have to. I’m sorry, but when you’re up like a BAJILLION to one…you do not celebrate touchdowns to the extent that USC was celebrating.

So, sorry all you USC moms out there. I’m not a fan.

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian 

Post from: EveryJoe

Illinois Lost (or, I Hate USC)

Juice Williams, quarterback for the Fighting Illini had a career-high four touchdowns. They played a near-perfect game, with no penalties until the fourth quarter. Illinois rushing had a great day with Daniel Dufrene carrying the ball 8 times for 106 yards and Rashard Mendehall carrying the ball 26 times for 88 yards. They were the kings of getting that needed yard on the fourth down.

The game started off with a touchdown by Ohio State in just two plays. Did they get lazy? Did that early touchdown give them false security? Well, maybe for a few plays. However, Williams passed to Michael Hoomanawanui for a touchdown on their first drive as well. So, but the time they possessed the ball for the second time, Ohio State knew they were going to have to fight.

What did they do wrong? Well, Boeckman had three interceptions, which didn’t help, but what it really came down to wasn’t OSU playing that badly…Illinois’ offense was just dominating today.

So now, as the commentators noted afterwards, how will the rankings look? Will we have a year where no team goes undefeated? It’s likely. Kansas is the remaining undefeated contender, and they have a tough, tough game to play tonight. This year, it was all about who lost to whom, when they lost, and how hard their schedule was. That makes it tough to call a clear winner in the BCS. At the moment, it looks like it could be Kansas and LSU contending for the title, but we can’t forget about Oregon and Oklahoma either. This year, my friends, is nuts.

Post from: EveryJoe

Illinois Wins! (Ohio State Tries to Beat Them Up…)