The Battle of the "Bigs"

Drew Thurman (5:23 pm)

Yes, the Big Ten has started 0-2 in the bowl season. Yes, Wisconsin embarrassed themselves on national television. And yes, it is easy to be negative about the Buckeyes' chances at this juncture. Last night though, I saw for the first time a glimmer of hope for Ohio State.

In the Valero Alamo Bowl, Northwestern totally outplayed Big 12 representative Missouri. The final score did not indicate this (30-23 in OT), but anyone watching the game knows the Wildcats lost the game on special teams. Offensively and defensively Northwestern looked superior, but a missed field goal, missed extra point, and a punt return from Jeremy Macklin sank the Wildcats. They outgained Missouri on offense, forced more turnovers on defense, and overall looked like a more explosive team. Oh and by the way, they were predicted by many to lose by several touchdowns in this game!

The fact that Northwestern outplayed the Tigers was a positive sign for the Buckeyes. This was the first of three installments in the Big Ten versus the Big 12 bowl battle (Minnesota-Kansas and Ohio State-Texas), and it made me very optimistic.

Some of you may be frowning at my sudden smile or the fact that I have such hope based off of a loss, but I think the facts back me up.

Missouri is a team that has struggled at times this season but was one of the better teams the Big 12 offered. They did indeed have issues with Texas and Oklahoma (got blown out by both), but they got outplayed by a Northwestern team that Ohio State blew out 45-10 in Evanston. These two were on about the same level in their respective conferences.

Had the Wildcats gotten their butts handed to them by the Tigers, I think there would be reason for fear, but they looked like the better team. Sure, it is tough to tell much from two teams that got blown out by the major powers in their conference, but if nothing else, it showed that the Big Ten can play with the Big 12. It seems everyday a new article or feature comes out bashing the Big Ten, and it is reassuring to see a team like Northwestern play with an opposing team from the so called "power" conference.

What may be an even better indicator is the Insight Bowl that takes place tomorrow featuring Kansas (7-5) and Minnesota (7-5). If another Big Ten team can play with or better than an equal level opponent from the Big 12, I think Buckeye fans should have a new resolve.