Big Ten Football: State Of the Conference Address After Week 5
My fellow Big Ten fans, I must apologize to you for not addressing you in this fashion prior to now. As a conference, our teams have been boldly embracing many battles across the nation. We have seen our programs travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Tucson, Arizona; and Nashville, Tennessee; among other destinations.
Through these travels, we have been steadily gaining insight into what our strengths our, as well as our weaknesses. We have been gaining a better understanding of who will rise to challenge for the position of our conference champion. We have also been gaining a better understanding of who will need to work the hardest to attain their goals in these trying times.
Last week, we watched as our teams returned home to their conference. Not until Bowl Season will the majority of our teams travel outside of respectful confines to face the dangers that lurk beyond our borders. We watched as our teams put what they had learned out there on the road to use for the purpose of attaining respect and dignity within our glorious and historic conference.
What have we learned about these teams and about the race that lies before us? That is what I am here to address today.
Ohio State: Our Defending Champion Cannot Afford To Overlook...
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Throughout the early contests that have, thus far, defined this season, we have seen Ohio State standing tall and proud as our defending conference champion.
We watched proudly as this group dismantled a respected Miami team from Florida to the tune of 36 to 24. We smirked smugly as they destroyed Eastern Michigan 73 to 20. We chuckled knowingly as they the University of Ohio 43 to 7.
This past weekend however, we witnessed a flaw in the Mighty Buckeyes. Despite facing a clearly inferior Illinois team, Ohio State struggled to find the combination that would allow them to ascend to highest levels of victory that we have become accustomed to seeing from our champions.
The Buckeyes and Illini were tied in their contest after the first quarter of production. At the mid-term break, they led only 14 to 10.
As prolific as Ohio State's potential is, they were held to zero points in the third quarter and didn't begin to show their true strength until the fourth quarter. With a touchdown and a field goal—along with holding Illinois to only a field goal of their own—Ohio State finally came out victorious.
One might ask: What does this Illinois team have that the others haven't had? Why was this victory so difficult for a team that boasts the likes of Terrelle Pryor, Brandon Saine, and Ross Homan?
The answers to those questions may not be readily evident. All indications are that Illinois is not a team in a position to challenge such a strong authority as the Buckeyes. But challenge them, they did.
Two things have become evident from this development, my friends.
First, Ohio State is still undefeated and is still the leading candidate to be your 2010 Big Ten Champion.
But second, they cannot afford to take anyone lightly. If history has taught us anything, it is that the mighty can—and doeseventually fall. Ohio State must safeguard against such a fall. They must be ever-vigilant. They must always be prepared to face the challenges that await them.
Illinois is but one opponent who will try with all of their might, to unseat the champion and take their place atop the throne of this conference.
Ohio State must recognize that, and face each challenger with the full might they possess, and bring their full attention to the forefront, or they will face the wrath of a vengeful conference, and fall victim to their own egotism.
Illinois: There Is Hope
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As we speak of Illinois, there is hope. There can be hope.
This team has been through great adversity. They have struggled through two, consecutive losing seasons. Their coach has been embattled in the press, as well as in the court of public opinion.
Most importantly, they are a mere .500 after four games, and many don't see a significant improvement in this team over years past. We haven't seen the growth. We haven't measured the improvements, but they are there.
Illinois' two losses have come to ranked teams. Missouri is currently ranked No. 22 in the Coaches Poll, which is the only poll that ties directly into the BCS Standings. Ohio State remains ranked No. 2 in the same poll.
Illinois lost to Missouri by 10 points and to Ohio State by eleven. These are not blowouts, people. These are not indicators of a stock unworthy of respect. They may not be victories, but better teams have fared worse.
To Illinois' detractors, I would say; this is a team that is capable. They have proven that they are capable. They have shown that they can play with some of the best teams in the country. This is not a team that must lie down and take the punishments that are repeatedly handed to them by the public, as well as those who are supposed to be "in the know".
To the Illinois players, I would say; if you can play so well against Ohio State and Missouri, what's stopping you from playing so well against everyone else? What's to stop you from bringing the same level of intensity and the same level of skill to the table every single week?
The Fighting Illini have beaten in-state rivals Southern Illinois and Northern Illinois. The former, they won handily (35-3). The latter, they won more closely (28-22), but that's not an indictment of some perceived lack of ability. Northern Illinois can be a tricky opponent.
If team leaders, like Nathan Scheelhaase, can keep the faith alive, and ask the same level of intensity of themselves—as well as their teammatesthere's no reason this program can't be a success this season.
Northwestern: It Will Be a Long, Hard Fight
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Speaking of teams that perform at a level above what is expected, no one embodies this message more than Northwestern.
Despite fighting an uphill battle in the recruiting arena, the Wildcats have repeatedly found ways to win, to challenge the status-quo, and to push the threshold of what is possible. No one has done more with less than the men of Northwestern.
This team has quietly done what so many others have been unable to do. They are undefeated five weeks into the season. As we approach the mid-term of the season, this team has yet to taste the bitterness of defeat.
It hasn't been easy, though. They narrowly escaped disaster against Vanderbilt. They barely managed victory over Central Michigan. No outcome has been closer than their most recent victory over Minnesota.
Northwestern has realized firsthand how difficult perfection can be, and how tough this conference really is. Even the lower teams, in terms of records, are good enough to provide great difficulty.
There are many facets to this game, and Northwestern must recognize their shortcomings. They have not been strong enough against the pass (10th in the conference). They have not had a strong running game.
Leaders like QB Dan Persa are carrying the banner, but they cannot carry it forever. The day is quickly approaching when the Wildcats must use more than a solid air attack and slippery quarterback to find ultimate success.
Still, this is a team that cannot be taken lightly. They have been very good at creating positive situations (second in turnover margin) where they can find success.
It only takes a little more work to make this team the kind of program that can compete at the highest level within the conference.
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Minnesota: There Is a Place
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Sometimes, things just don't work out the way we think they should. For our friends in Minnesota, things are bleak. This team is on a four game losing streak, and are at the bottom of the conference order.
To make matters worse, the game that started this mess was a loss to South Dakota—a FCS team.
What are we to do with this development? What are we to make of a team that has found ways to lose more often than they've found ways to win?
I submit to you that there is a place for a program like Minnesota at this crucial juncture of their season. Any hope of a National Championship (though it wasn't even a thought coming into the year) was gone by the second game of the year. Any hope of a Big Ten Championship seems to be of the longest odds.
There are two things Minnesota needs to do from this point forward:
First, they are 1-0 on the road. This team needs to embrace the fact that they may very well be a better road team than they are a home team. There's nothing wrong with that. If that's the hand you've been dealt, then play it to the fullest.
Travel into Madison, Wisconsin next week, believing that you'll be at your best. Take that same attitude to Purdue the following week. Take it to Michigan State and Illinois in November, and make the most of every opportunity.
Second, embrace the role of "spoiler." After such a rough start, few will take you seriously. It's a cold, hard fact of football. Make them pay for overlooking the talent that is inherent on a team that contains players such as Adam Weber, Troy Stoudemire, and Duane Bennett.
There is still hope for a successful season and a chance to represent the conference in a bowl game. Embrace what you do well, while continuing to work on the things that aren't working as well as needed.
That has to start with protecting your borders (last in the conference in scoring defense). No team can stand if they can't protect what is rightfully theirs.
Michigan: Don't Forget What Wins Championships
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Our friends in Michigan have unveiled a frightful and powerful weapon. From the shell of a once powerful and historic program, a new hope has been brought forth in the person of Denard Robinson.
The skill shown by Mr. Robinson is nothing short of inspiring. His speed is awesome. His movements, swift and decisive. His talent is undeniable.
That talent has helped propel the Wolverines to a perfect 5-0 start. That talent has aided the Michigan football teams to victories over Connecticut, Notre Dame, and Indiana, among others. It has been like a breath of fresh air.
However, we should not become so enthusiastic in this apparent turn of fortunes as to overlook the deficiencies that yet exist.
As Indiana proved last weekend—indeed as every opponent save one has shown—Michigan is yet without a defense that can safeguard their future.
Notre Dame scored 24 points against these Wolverines. Massachusetts added 37 more. Bowling Green added yet 21 more, and Indiana did not stop until they had amassed 35 points.
One by one, the opponents have lined up. While Michigan has used their weaponry to dispose of those adversaries, they have not done so without certain difficulties.
Future opponents, such as Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State, will not be so easy to score against as the opponents they have faced in the past. Yet, their offenses are every bit as powerful as that of Indiana.
The question remains: Does Coach Rich Rodriguez understand the importance of a tough defense in Big Ten play? Does he really expect that this weapon—this Robinsonwill be enough to provide triumph over such overwhelming power?
They must be reminded that, while an exciting offense will win battles, it is a strong and determined defense that wins wars.
Idiana: Respect, Chappell Be Thy Name
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As we speak of weapons, talent, and successes, let us not forget, nor overlook Indiana. Despite their recent defeat at the hands of Michigan, Indiana showed great success through their first three contests.
Not only did they win those games, but their average margin of victory was 22 points.
While the opponents they faced were not necessarily of the highest order, they were confronted by a fierce adversary in Michigan, and were not embarrassed.
The secret to this success has been no secret at all. Ben Chappell has been the most prolific passer in this conference. He has averaged 342.5 yards per game and has pushed the dagger into his opponents' hearts 12 times, while feeling the sting of interception only once.
Chappell is the stone upon which other teams break their hopes and shatter their dreams. His proficiency and leadership stand as a testament to what is possible when one studies his craft and applies what he has learned.
Once again however, we must not overlook what is staring us squarely in the face.
Aside from lowly Towson, no opponent that Indiana has faced has failed to score at least 20 points. No challenger has failed to put Chappell in such a position as to have to strike quickly, and with force.
Once again, we see opponents such as Ohio State and Iowa looming in the Hoosiers' future. We see opponents who will not be so easy to score against. We see offenses which are every bit as capable of forcing Chappell's hand as any they've seen to date.
If this team is to continue what they have started, then they must find a way to stand in the face of adversity and push back the lions (or Buckeyes, or Hawkeyes) at the gate and allow their leader the opportunity to deliver them.
Wisconsin: Pick Up the Pieces
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As we look to the future of the conference, one name has come forth as a possible successor to the conference crown.
The Wisconsin Badgers began their campaign with the fire one would expect of a contender. Behind the power of John Clay, they marched to a perfect 4-0 record.
Their path wasn't always smooth. A trial against Arizona State reminded the Badgers that championships demand discipline and dedication. They demand a constant awareness.
That narrow victory paved the way for a decisive victory over Austin Peay.
Unfortunately, it didn't prepare them for the test they would face in Michigan State. The normal battle plan didn't apply. The successes of their past did little more than present a false sense of security.
It might be easy to declare that what happened on October 2nd was a tragedy. We might be tempted to believe that it set the Badgers back.
This is an opportunity. Wisconsin has to face—for the first timethe reality that there are still things that must be improved. There are still areas that are not sufficient to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
This program's defense has been solid until recently. Even in its darkest day (Arizona State), it did not give up enough points to warrant concern. However, against Michigan State, the defense failed to do what it was designed to do. It failed the team, and it failed the fans.
The offense that Wisconsin has employed week-in, week-out, was not enough. John Clay was not effective (though James White was). The strategy employed failed to keep up with the demands placed upon it.
Now comes the true test of a champion. In the very near future, this team will have to face the defending champions, then face the team most often projected to challenge for the title. How will the Badgers respond?
That is up to them. It will be their decision whether they will learn from the mistakes of the past weekend, and adjust their strategy accordingly, or whether they will continue down the path that they have used to this point.
With Scott Tolzien, John Clay, James White, and a cast full of talent; there's no reason Wisconsin can't pick up the pieces and move forward. They can become stronger than they were, better than they were, and more focused than they were.
Or they can continue to believe that what they've done in the past is enough.
Michigan State: This Must Be the Start
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While Wisconsin may now be facing a tough choice, Michigan State is facing a unique opportunity.
A year ago, the Spartans had some disappointing failures. What was supposed to be a challenge for the crown ended in mediocrity. To say that the Spartan faithful were disappointed would be an understatement.
Times have changed. This program is now just one win short of their total from a year ago. This program defeated a tough conference opponent—something they couldn't do a year ago.
This program didn't settle for mediocre. They didn't decide that's who they are. They regrouped, rebounded, and have paved their own way to the doorstep of exceptional.
Now, Michigan State must confront that which became the downfall of Wisconsin. They will face difficult confrontations, against very worthy opponents. This time, they will not be the underdog. How will they handle it?
My friends, Michigan State has ability. Two of their ball carriers are averaging over seven yards per carry (Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker). Those two young men have also accounted for 12 scores.
Their quarterback has hit his mark 67.5 percent of the time. If only our government could say the same!
There are still areas to work on. The air defense has been an issue of concern, certainly.
Most importantly however, this program needs to be fair in its assessment of itself. The road ahead is a difficult one. This team has proven that they can compete at this level.
They cannot become comfortable in that knowledge, however. They must be objective enough to constantly work to improve. They can be great.
If they use what they learned, build on what they started, and forge onward, knowing that defeat is only four quarters away; they can make this the start of a fantastic campaign.
Penn State: Build for the Future
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There are certain names within the conference that will always command respect. Joe Paterno is one of those names, and his Nittany Lions will always be a revered program. It is rightly so.
To say this program is at a crossroads wouldn't be fair. They've suffered losses that are common to all programs at every level. They have new faces and new personalities. That's what makes this sport so great. Nothing ever stays the same for very long.
The Nittany Lions, under the tutorship of Joe Paterno, have had many days in the sun. They will again. That this year isn't necessarily one of them doesn't have to be a bad thing.
What Coach Paterno knows is what every young coach has a tough time coming to terms with: sometimes you have to build for the future.
Penn State has a talented young quarterback in Robert Bolden. His ability is undeniable, but his inexperience is also obvious. He has completed 58.7 percent of his passes, but has six interceptions to only three touchdowns.
That's to be expected from a true freshman.
The Nittany Lions have also had to replace three incredible linebackers. Navarro Bowman, Sean Lee, and Josh Hull were tremendous assets. As with all young men however, they moved on and started their lives.
Replacing them hasn't been easy. Now we have names like Chris Colasanti, Michael Mauti, and Bani Gbadyu. The production hasn't been quite the same.
Penn State is working toward something, though. They're working toward next season.
They haven't given up on this year. Far from it. They are fighting, and they will continue to fight. Losses to teams like Alabama and Iowa are nothing to be ashamed of. They're not the legacy we're used to from Penn State (well, it has been when talking about Iowa the last decade). They're not the legacy that Penn State will be saddled with for eternity.
Penn State will be what they've nearly always been in the Big Ten. They'll be a power to contend with. They'll be a big name with a good product.
They understand where they are though, and understand that the foundation they lay today will become the success they celebrate tomorrow.
Iowa: If You Want It, You Have to Take It
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We're only one week into the conference race, but already something is becoming clear: the conference title is Iowa's to take.
Let us not be confused by that statement. Ohio State is still the conference champion. They are still the team to beat—the power to unseat.
We should also not be afraid to embrace what is, not only possible, but very realistic. The Iowa Hawkeyes are truly the front runner to steal away the conference title.
This team is tempered by adversity. They're breaking in a new offensive line. They've lost two talented running backs and one battle in the desert of Arizona. They've faced the flames of being in the public eye. They're dealing with polls that refuse to forgive them for one half of poor performance.
From those obstacles is emerging a team that is, and should continue to be, incredibly difficult to defeat.
One tough opponent (Penn State) is firmly behind them now. Still ahead lie many obstacles, but they're obstacles that this team is prepared to face.
The offense is working better than it has worked in years. The defense is one of the strongest in the entire nation. Their coach is experienced and grounded.
After a week off, this team will face, not one, but three ranked opponents in consecutive weeks. If they remember the lessons learned against the Wildcats of Arizona, they can weather that storm.
Two things are certain, though.
One: we'll know if this team is ready in a very short amount of time.
And two: if they want the conference crown, they'll have to go out and take it. No one in this conference will hand it to them. They'll have to earn it.
Purdue: Know Thyself
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Finally, it is incumbent of me to speak of the Boilermakers of Purdue.
While they have been on vacation this week, there is no reason to forget what they bring to the table.
This program has two victories and two tough losses.
Have those losses taught this team anything? Have the victories helped them find an identity?
These are the questions that must be answered. Purdue fell short of their goals against a talented and growing Notre Dame opponent. They also failed to meet their expectations against a Toledo outfit that shouldn't have tested them so hard.
Those are the things that happen in college football. For Purdue, they can be damning.
A team that used to be well known for its destructive air attack has seen that attack grounded. A team known for putting together only a cursory ground attack has seen that attack fly by comparison.
We can't forget that this team upset Ohio State a year ago. We must not forget that because we cannot fall into a false state of mind that allows us to underestimate this program.
They have a talented quarterback in Robert Marve. His numbers aren't what they should be. That doesn't mean that they can't eventually be.
Their failures may not turn out to be as devastating as they appear upon first glance. Our perception of those events must be tempered against the possibilities that exist and a history that has shown this team to be tricky.
It might be surprising to note that the most points allowed by this program in any one contest to date, is 23. They've flown under the radar and allowed the public to see them as a weak threat.
That could be a fool's folly, but we won't know for another week how this team will look against their peers in the Big Ten.
In Closing
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As we put the pieces together, we have to stand back to see the whole. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, the true picture can't be seen until we stand back and see how every part fits.
At times, the conference has looked weak. Two of our biggest names (Iowa and Penn State) have seen defeat in front of national audiences.
At others, it has looked very strong. We still have one team in the driver's seat for a National Title berth.
None of the teams I have talked about tonight can afford to sit quietly on their laurels and pretend that the conference is strong enough to thrive if they give anything less than their very best. None of the teams have had a death sentence handed down to them, either.
This conference is strong. I have full faith that the top teams will prove their worth in the biggest contests. I have full faith that, when bowl season is upon us, they will represent us all very well.
From Ohio State, Iowa, and Michigan State; to Indiana, Minnesota, and Purdue; there is great potential in this conference.
Collectively, may they showcase what we know in our hearts, is the true power of the Big Ten. Separately, may they play to their potential, grow through their adversity, and achieve what they deserve.
May Saturdays bless you, and Prime Time bless The Big Ten!
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