Around the Big Ten

[Rob F]

Pelini looks like he's gonna (at least for the time being) survive the latest crisis, UNL leading 52-20 late. Not that Nebraska's defense is looking all that good, but it is vs. the Jackrabbits of SDSU.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Rutgers was down 24-7 to Arkansas but came roaring back for a 28-24 win!

Now Bielema can concentrate on that national title run.

[Rob F]

spartie about to lose. They put in Maxwell (after an apparent arm injury to Cook) with just over 2 minutes remaining and a 4-point deficit; Maxwell then overthrew or badly missed all his receivers, netted -10 yards on two penalties, and then he ran out of bounds well short of the 20 yards he needed on 4th down.

[lineygoblue]

Biggest thing that hurt Sparty today was penalties.

Undisciplined play .. the calling card and pride of Pat Narduzzi.

He can wear this loss proudly, as he brags about how he coaches his team to play "60 minutes of unnecessary roughness"...

And the Spartans #43 may find himself suspended later this week by the B1G for throwing a punch. Take a bow, Narduzzi....

[Hannibal]

The Spartans did get royally screwed on a few PI calls

[Rob F]

I saw one of them. There were more? Was it Referee O'Malley and his loose flag?

[Dr. Strangelove]

1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Northwestern (they can make me a believer in two weeks)
4. Michigan
5. Nebraska
6. Michigan State

7. Penn State
8. Illinois
9. Iowa
10. Minnesota

11. Indiana (done believing in them)
12. Purdue

#7-10 is where I have the hardest time. Not sure who to believe is the best of that group.

[Optimus Prime]

I'd put Wisconsin & UNW ahead of OSU. It will become apprant to you over the next few weeks.

[lineygoblue]

The Spartans did get royally screwed on a few PI calls

I don't think so. The one where Dennard pulled the ND receiver down by the front of his jersey as he picked off the pass was classic, textbook PI.

On the one that happened later, just as the Spartan defender went to make the play on the ball, he pushed the ND receiver toward the sideline. That's PI all day long. I don't care how much NBC/Doug Flutie whines about it

Sparty had over 100 yards in penalties against ND. That is laid totally at the feet of Dantonio/Narduzzi for the style of ball that they coach. There is risk and reward for that style of play. Sometimes, playing thug ball can pay off, if the officials eat their flags. Yesterday, with B1G veteran official Dave Witvoet's crew working the game, they did not get away with it.

Sucks to be Dantonio/Narduzzi today.

[Rocky Bleier]

I thought they got hosed on 2 PIs. Both on #15.

[lineygoblue]

Risk/reward/reputation.

I hope more B1G crews clamp down on MSU's style of play. They now have the rep of being a rogue team, especially on defense. Maybe the zebras are finally growing some nads and clamping down on the crap they do every week.

I think it was #43 for MSU that may be looking at a suspension this week if the B1G reviews the game films properly. He threw a punch that was not flagged right after one of those penalties.

[whodean]

Right now it looks like that MSU defense will have the UM O as a light autumn snack.

[WM Wolverine]

Sparty's defense is excellent (hardly a weak spot) while their offense is taking baby steps as they found some receivers who can catch a ball... Even the spots where they are young on defense (secondary), they have good talent... Luckily, they'll lose a lot of talent for next season...

They'll hold most B10 teams to pretty much what they did to ND (<17), despite giving teams good field position.

[hack]

That game will be the same as last year, which Michigan's OL wasn't any better and MSU's D was definitely better. Michigan has to avoid giving MSU any long completions and not turn it over. In a game of field position, Michigan still has the big-play advantage. AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO EFFING TURNOVERS.

[WM Wolverine]

That's asking A LOT out of DG. M will need to play like you said, a field position game and force Sparty to go 70+ yards to get points.