Uncharted territory: Iowa Football and the Big Ten; 3 more to play in Week 1 of College Football

Tough way to begin 2016 for LSU and four other SEC schools ...

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Week 1 doesn't define a season. Look at the past two years in the B1G & beyond ...

Good example: Stanford Cardinal in 2015, after an ugly 16-6 loss at Northwestern to kickoff the 2015 season. By the way, the Cardinal played 0-12 UCF in Week 2 at home. They won 31-7. The following week, @ #6 USC, who finished 7-6 and no reason they are at Top 25 program right now or then ...

Preseason Polls are meaningless. Examples ...

Should we write off OU, LSU or Northwestern right now?

Last year, Oklahoma lost to Texas in the Red River Shoutout and still made Final 4 in CFP. 

They call Houston, a winner by upset, but Houston ended #8 last year. Why so low to open 2016?

This picture was used in discussing the OU/Houston game on Twitter.

Is a battle between #5 vs. #8 a big upset, if #8 wins the game?
Was Stanford's win over Iowa an upset in the Rose Bowl, after all, when you compare the common opponent in 2015?

Wins and losses matter, but teams for the CFP will be judged on the full season, especially the conference title, which is important, so hard to see two from same division or same conference, if not in a title game?

Look who reached his 64th win over ranked opponents in College
Football, the old head coach at Michigan State. By the way,
Steve Spurrier was honored at Florida, with the field name
on Saturday night, as Gators beat UMass 24-7.

In 2014, eventual #1 Ohio State lost at home to VA Tech in Week 2.

Well, the Big Ten finished the first week of the 2016 College Football with a 12-2 record, just like Iowa during the 2015 season.

There was a blowout by a Pac 12 team on the West Coast and a Michigan team beat the B1G at the end of the game in the final minute. Sound familiar ...

Wow, are you excited about the 2016 College Football season? 

There are THREE FBS games left this Labor Day weekend.

Wait, ESPN keeps talking about TWO games. 

Of course, the Power 5 is what matters, more importantly teams not named ODU or even Iowa.

One talking head said Desmond King won the first major trophy for Iowa, since the 1950s. Just like Iowa does not face a winning program on the road in 2016. ESPN is dead wrong on both accounts, are they not?

How far can the Hawkeyes fly in 2016, with 15 starters returning
and now a mix of 10 new true freshmen playing snaps this season?

By the way, there are more than TWO more Games over the weekend. Yes, Phil Steele had the game playing on Saturday too, but look at your LSU TV schedule for what games are really on folks!

ODU plays today, as well as the showdown in Austin. The final game will kickoff from Orlando on Labor Day in primetime on ABC.

- a battle for bragging rights in VA
- a battle for respect in Texas
- a battle between ACC-SEC bragging rights 

Not sure they have the same interest, since no B1G, except, Notre Dame and Florida State are involved. Oh, odu ...

How about Clemson over Auburn, Wisconsin over LSU, South Alabama over Mississippi State, West Virginia over Missouri, not as happy to hear Southern Miss rallied to beat Kentucky as the SEC witnesses five programs falling in Week 1?

By the way, it is Year 6 of the new era of Big Ten Football or is it Year 3, since the CFP is now here and we scrapped the Leaders and Legends?

Iowa is coming off 12-0. The two game losing streak, it was a three game losing streak last year at this time, Iowa was coming off and the Cy-Hawk Game is next.
Of course, this is the 1981 season all over again for Iowa, after all ...

• The world or at least many in the media have it for the B1G 2 again ...
• It is at Defcon 5, after OSU opened with a 77-10 win over Urban Meyer's former program ...
• For the first time, since 1975, Michigan beat a program by 60 or more points ...
• Who is Iowa - they don't play OSU or MSU this year?
• PSU was 7-6 last year ...
• Can we dream of 1981 of 1985 when Iowa vs. Michigan is played?
• Iowa ends the season at Kinnick with Nebraska, since we both are in the B1G now, but when was the last time Iowa won over Nebraska at Kinnick (1981) ...

Iowa opened the 2016 season playing ten true freshmen, clearly uncharted territory for the Hawkeyes? In 2007, 11 true freshmen played through out the season, I read recently.

One thing we don't like to see about Iowa defense ... 

A team not at full strength, but remember DE Drew Ott in 2015. Remember, MLB Josey Jewell is averaging 1 tackle right now per game. An assist at that ...

The Iowa Hawkeyes are lead by senior QB 16 C.J. Beathard,
who is now 14-2 as a starting QB. Next up: vs. Iowa State.

At Iowa, C.J Beathard is our QB. Though, we may see more of Tyler Wiegers in 2016?

Look at Alabama's first week at QB, in the win over USC. They did win right?

After all, it is a long season and don't forget about VA Tech, Arizona and Ole Miss [2]; Northwestern,Texas and Nebraska in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

By the way, no undefeated team has won the CFP, in the first two years.

Florida State and Clemson each went 13-1 at end, and didn't make title game, after undefeated regular seasons.

This is Year 3 of the CFP and the new B1G and it will be a roller coaster of a season, just like many B1G games.
                                                                                                                             

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 27-2, since the CFP kicked off.

1. Ohio State (1-0) - the team to beat in 2016? 

OU, the other B1G East opponents, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Nebraska ...

But, not for Iowa in the regular season. They will see others, such as Iowa State this week.

Neither for Alabama, who appear headed to play more spread offense, than any previous Nick Sabin team, ever. The OC creation of Lane Kiffin, oh my?

Iowa junior RB 25 Akrum Wadley, lead the Hawkeyes' ground
attack in the 45-21 win over Miami-OH in the season opener.
He also recovered a key fumble early in the game, as Iowa
allowed a free shot on QB C.J. Beathard. Iowa recovered
three fumbles to fuel the opening win of the 2016 season.

2. Iowa (1-0) - are they worthy, what would a game vs. OR ST, WMU, LSU or Fresno St have been like on Saturday? 

This is Year 5 of Phil Parker and Greg Davis, how special can 2016 be w/ new KF and the new Hawkeye team for this year?

The Spartans enjoy a bye week in Week 2, as they hit the road
@ Notre Dame, as senior QB 7 Tyler O'Connor, looks to build
on his 1-0 record on the road, as a starter, after leading MSU
to a 17-14 win to help clinch the B1G West division title.

3. Michigan State (1-0) - the Badgers open the B1G season in East Lansing on 9/24. 

The #12 Spartans have a bye week ahead of road trip against Notre Dame on 9/17.

4. Wisconsin (1-0) - yes, they just beat LSU and a won bowl game over USC last year. Lost last year to Alabama 35-7 to Iowa 10-6 and Northwestern 13-7. 
The Badgers win on defense and Paul Chryst is in Year 2 ...

The 2016 Michigan Wolverines kicked off the season, with the
first of five home games, including a 63-3 win over Hawaii'.
Sleep deprived Wolverines slaughter jet lagged Rainbow Warriors!

5. Michigan (1-0) - the Wolvernies face 1-0 UCF next. The Knights have given up less points than the Wolvernes, who open w/ 5 straight games in Ann Arbor for 2016.

Western Michigan defeated a Big Ten team for the first time, since
the 2007 win @ Iowa 28-19 to close out the Hawkeyes' regular
season. It is a game of inches, as the Wildcats may have learned?

6. Northwestern (0-1) - yes, they lost to WMU 22-21 on Saturday. In the loss, junior running back Justin Jackson scored all three touchdowns for the Wildcats, but a costly fumble at the goal line by sophomore quarterback Clayton Thorson, ended the bid for a win.

The Wildcats beat Stanford in home opener last year and what did that say, it is a long season? One game doesn't define you, as a team?

The Nebraska paid tribute to the passing of punter Sam Foltz
during the season opener, as they only sent ten men onto the
field, ahead of the first punt attempt of the 2016 season. After
the delay of game penalty, Nebraska went on to defeat Fresno
State in the game, 43-10, with a 2nd half shutout.

7. Nebraska (1-0) - Mike Riley just won his 100th game as a College head coach. KF has 128 wins now at Iowa?

They have 1-0 Wyoming, who defeated NIU 40-34 in OT.

We all remember the Huskies out of the MAC? 

Tracy Claeys surprised the BTN
crew, when he went for 2 with a
seven point lead late in the 4Q.

8. Minnesota (1-0) - they beat Oregon State ugly in opener w/ three DQs or was it 2) 

B1G @ Penn State on 10/1 for B1G opener. They don't play anyone strong in OCC, except Gary Anderson's Beavers.

Penn State University announced recently they will honor the
50th anniversary of the hiring of Joe Paterno, as head football
coach, during the 9/17 game against Temple.

9. PSU (1-0) - the Nittany Lions are @ Pitt this Saturday, then host Temple. It is nice to see Penn State resuming with the Panthers in non-conference play.

Will they win or free fall? 

Open B1G @ Michigan, as well on 9/24.

The Hoosiers return 13 starters from a 6-7 team that
lost 44-41 in OT to Duke in the Pinstripe Bowl.
RG Dan Feeney, LB Clyde Newton, LB Marcus
Oliver and WR Ricky Jones are all back in 2016

10. Indiana (1-0) - Ball State is next, after road win @ FIU. The Hooisers are coming off bowl game, as they begin Kevin Wilson's sixth season. He was OC I believe in 1999, when Northwestern last lost to a MAC program in season opener?

Two B1G games are ahead to wrap up non-conference
play and September for the new Fighting Illini, as
the Lovie Smith era has come to Champaign,
after 20 years working the sidelines of the NFL.

11. Illinois (1-0) - host UNC, off loss to UGA in Atlanta, this Saturday in Champaign ...make or break game for former #23 Tar Heels? Western Michigan (1-0) also plays Illinois to round off non-conference play in 2016.

Can the Lovie Smith era, like the 1979 Iowa Hawkeyes under J. Hayden Fry, with a strong game(s) or even better with a big win(s)?

The Boilermakers opened 2016 with a new offensive and
defensive coordinator, as coach Darrell Hazell enters a critical
stage in 2016, his fourth season at the helm.

12. Purdue (1-0) - next up are the Cincinnati Bearcats from the AAC for Boilermakers. The Boilermakers took care of business against Eastern Kentucky and move on to the next test, with three non-conference games at home, including a bye week.

First year head coach D.J. Durkin celebrate his first career win
over a FCS program 

13. Maryland (1-0) - travel to play @FIU on Friday, so they face a Panthers program looking to get to 1-1 vs. B1G East.

The Chris Ash era has begun, as #16 Washington rolls 48-13
over the Scarlet Knights to kickoff the 2016 season. The next
game against 0-1 Howard, who were 1-10 last season may
not provide much feedback, in preparation for a B1G season.

14. Rutgers (0-1) - new head coach Chris Ash has work ahead before B1G opener on 9/24 w/ native state, Iowa.  Ironically, the Scarlet Knights play Howard, who were at Maryland for the season opening loss 52-13, to kickoff Week 2.

That's football ...

Sunday, September 4th 

• Notre Dame at Texas 6:30 pm on ABC / espn3 - the Longhorns have won 16 straight home openers by an average of 37 points, wow! Who do they actually play in home openers? Rice was opponent last year, after the 38-3 loss @ Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are 9-2 all-time in this series, winning five straight now. This game will likely be close?
• Hampton at Old Dominion 2:30 pm on $CUSA Video - There hasn't been much talk about this one. Phil Steele magazine had this one for the 3rd (Saturday), but C-USA pulled a nice win in the SEC on Saturday. ODU's next opponent is @ Appalachian State on Saturday, who took Tennessee down to the wire, losing in OT, after 17 straight points were given up by Mountaineers. ODU does play @ North Carolina State in Week 3, as they kickoff the 2016 season today against the Pirates, who were 6-5 at the FCS level in 2015 ...

Monday, September 5th 

• Florida State vs. Ole Miss (Orlando) 7:00 pm on ESPN - a loss to Ole Miss in back to back season didn't cost the Razorbacks in either 2014 or 2015, on the road to the College Football Playoff ...

Kickoff Week in College Football, as we look at the Top 25 heading into the 2016 Season

Cedar Rapids, IA -- College Football heads into Year 3 of the College Football Playoff this week, with most programs kicking off, after last week's Sydney Cup played in Australia, featuring two non-ranked programs.  In 2015, Ohio State was the consensus pick in the Associated Press entering the season, after winning the first championship. Alabama lost to Ohio State in the first semi-final in 2014, but they rebounded in 2015, winning it all, while the Buckeyes were eliminated in Big Ten Conference play.

Ohio State won in 2014, then Alabama in 2015. Who is prime for 2016?

There is no consensus pick in 2016, but Alabama will get a lot of love and is picked in everyone's Top 4, but one preseason source. Relative newbie, Arena Fantastic doesn't have Alabama in the Top 4, after making the College Football Playoff each of the past two seasons. Arena Fantastic was #1 according to Stassen.com in overall preseason accuracy in 2015, overcoming Phil Steele for the first time, since 2012. Phil Steele has been the most accurate preseason magazine over the past 18 seasons.

Just about every program has certain questions heading into the 2016 season. 

• Whether it be a new QB, 
• Replacing players departing for the NFL or no longer in school,
• Other personnel or coaching questions,
• Challenging schedules,
• Even coaches on the hot-seat heading into 2016!

The Top 4 programs over the past 3 seasons, based on winning percentage:

1. Ohio State
2. Florida State
3. Alabama
4. Michigan State

In this year's preseason Top 25 polls, there are seven teams on everyone's list as a Top 25 program in 2016.

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma
4. Ohio State
5. Florida State
6. LSU
7. Tennessee 

No Pac Ten teams are listed as a consensus Top 25 program, bu there are three SEC programs, two ACC programs, with a Big 12 and Big Ten program to fill out the list. In 2014, the list went ten deep, with someone not listing Alabama; while in 2015, the list went nine deep, with one preseason pick real good pick, not picking Auburn, who were on everybody else's Top 20, but fell to a 7-6 record in 2015.

In 2014, preseason #1 Florida State, #2 Alabama, #3 Oregon and #6 Ohio State all made the first College Football Playoff. 

In 2015, preseason #2 Alabama, #6 Michigan State, #14 Clemson and #21 Oklahoma all made the second College Football Playoff.

Who are the Top 9 in College Football that generally are underrated according to Stassen?

1. Boise State
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Kansas State
5. Michigan State
6. Iowa
7. Alabama
8. Arizona State
9. Wisconsin
10. Everyone else is typically overrated?

Most Common Overrated programs per Stassen: Texas and USC are tied for #1, dating back to 1989. Followed by: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State, Michigan, Florida, LSU and Miami-FL. The next ten are: UCLA, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Clemson, Georgia, Washington, Penn State, Ohio State, West Virginia and Virginia Tech. Auburn and Colorado wrap up the list, since 1989.

Will we get three newbies again in 2016 in the College Football Playoff? 

With Clemson at #2 this season on Stassen's list, will the Tigers be this year's repeat?

Here are our thoughts on our preseason Final 4 for the 2016 College Football Playoff ...

1. Clemson - Since they are many people's #2, and the #2 preseason pick has reached it two years straight, we will start with the Tigers.
2. LSU -  after Clemson, we will stick with another team, with the Tigers' nickname, as LSU brought in a new defensive coordinator in 2016 ... defense wins championships and Alabama can't be there every year ... 
3. Oklahoma - Bob Stoops hasn't won a National Championship, since 2000. He and Kirk Ferentz at Iowa are now the two longest reigning head coaches in College Football today, at the same school. K-State's head coach took some time off, so he wasn't listed.
4. Iowa, Stanford ... well, the two Rose Bowl opponents are on the thought list, but we will choose Washington, since we have to pick a 4th. Yes, I would like to dream the Hawkeyes in the College Football Playoff, they came within inches in 2016. The Stanford QB is holding me off, with picking the defending Rose Bowl and Pac 12 champions in 2016 ...

We will us Stassen.com for our 2016 Preseason College Football poll ... all 48 programs! Some random thoughts, as we kickoff the 2016 College Football season!

1. Alabama - the Crimson Tide are the defending champions, so others will have to earn the Top spot in the Poll. I do believe they will not repeat in the College Football Playoff in 2016 ... 
2. Clemson - I would pick the Tigers to repeat and reach the Final 4 in 2016, as they open @ Auburn this weekend ...
3. Oklahoma - They will face a heck of schedule with Houston in the opener and OSU in Week 3, but they are clearly the favorite in the Big 12 and they could open 3-0 in the OOC ...
4. Ohio State - since Urban Meyer arrived in 2011, they have only lost 4 games, they may get through the Big Ten in 2016, but we would say losing 16 starters will likely be a huge hurdle, despite the six starters back, including QB J.T. Barrett's success in 2014 ...
5. Florida State - They are a serious candidate for the ACC title and the College Football Playoff, but we are giving Clemson the nod, based on the starting QB ...
6. LSU - Les Miles was on the hot seat in 2015, and his choice of defensive coordinator, matched with the possiblities on offense ... we believe the Tigers are a good choice to produce in '16!
7. Tennessee - the Volunteers are entering 2016 with 17 starters back, but they find ways to come up short, why is this season any different?
8. Michigan - Who is the QB for coach Jim Harbaugh?
9. Notre Dame - What do they say, when you have two quarterbacks? Look at Ohio State in '15 ...
10. Stanford - new QB at Stanford makes the Cardinal a quesiton entering 2016 ...
11. Mississippi - tough season opener in Orlando on Labor Day, plus they have to face the SEC West ... don't see them as top program in 2016!
12. Michigan State - the Spartans are a team capable of repeating in the Big Ten ...
13. USC - personally, I believe the Trojans should begin outside the Top 25, after last year's 7-6 season.
14. TCU - the Horned Frogs may be the best program to rain on the Sooners run in the Big 12 ...
15. Washington - we like the Huskies to sneak up and take the Pac 12 in 2016 ...
16. Georgia - new coach, often good recruits, but as many say, can new coach Kirby Smart "find that missing something" in Athens?
17. Iowa - a rematch of MSU-Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game is our choice in 2016 ...
18. Baylor - moving on out ... not a fan of Waco's program, even before the ax fell on the head coach!
19. Houston - the Cougars open 2016 with a great showdown with the #3 Oklahoma Sooners ... a win would be huge for the Top non-Power 5 program in 2015 and likely in 2016!
20. Oklahoma State - it will be a one QB system most likely in 2016 ...
21. Louisville - the Cardinals play in the same ACC division as Clemson and Florida State ... spoiler alert!
22. North Carolina - the Tar Heels can make some huge noise against Georgia in the season opener, if they can pull out the win ...
23. UCLA - the Bruins enter coming off a bowl loss to the Big Ten's Nebraska Cornhuskers ...
24. Oregon - the Ducks play in Week 3 at the Nebraska Cornhuskers 
25. Florida - they begin 2016, right where they ended 2015 ...
26. Nebraska - they may have a great offense, but will the Blackshirts live up to the tradition in 2016?
27. San Diego State - next program in, as the next highest rated non-Power 5 program in the race to New Year's Six ...
28. Boise State - not the program they once were, as 
29. Arkansas - Being Bret Bielema has had some interesting programs, as a son of a hog farmer in Illinois leads the Razorbacks in the SEC West ...
30. Texas A&M - host UCLA in the season opener in another Week 1 SEC vs. Pac 12 showdown!
31. Miami-FL - new coach, can the Hurricane make some noise in 2016?
32. Wisconsin - the Badgers face a challenging schedule with five AP Top 25 opponents, beginning with #6 LSU in the season opener at Lambeau, in Green Bay!
33. West Virginia - open the season hosting Missouri, which should be a good one!
34. Washington State - the Cougars improved in 2015 ... could they take a huge bump in '16?
35. Mississippi State - they have a new QB ... play in a very strong division!
36. Pittsburgh - rooting for the Panthers in the 2016 ACC Coastal race!
37. BYU - like 2015, the Cougars will make a trip back into Big Ten country with an October date @ MSU ...
38. Texas - open the 2016 season with a date at home with Notre Dame ... opportunity knocks for Charlie Strong's Longhorns!
39. Auburn - the Tigers open the season with Clemson at home ... talk about an opportuntiy to throw a wrench in the Top 4!
40. Utah - The opened 2015 with a win over Michigan and Jim Harbaugh ... a date with Southern Utah in the opener in 2016 doesn't have the same flavor to it!
41. WKU - seeking to carry the C-USA banner as the top football program ...
42. Appalachian State - They are looking for more wins, after a 12-2 record in 2015 out of the Sun Belt!
43. Northwestern - the Wildcats may be a sleeper in the Big Ten West in '16, and open against #44 Western Michigan in Evanston ...
44. Western Michigan - The MAC often schedule the Big Ten in the non-conference, with the Broncos opening at Northwestern, then travel to Illinois in Week 3 for the second B1G game ...
45. Memphis - after 9-4 last year, can the Tigers put up style points in trying to earn a bid as a new member to the Big 12 in the near future?
46. Temple - the Owls will be Penn State's opponent for Joe Paterno regonition day, during Week 3 of the College Football season ... can the Owls make it two straight over the Nittany Lions?
47. Toledo - Jason Candle is the new head coach, after a 10-2 season provides coach Matt Campbell, a promotion to Iowa State University ...
48. South Florida - the Bulls were 8-5 last year, but 6-2 in the AAC East ...

Ranking the Big Ten heading into the 2016 season ...

random thought!

1. Ohio State Buckeyes - while the Buckeyes fell short in 2015 at home, with a single loss, and they have only three starters back on each side the football; Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes are always the team to beat entering a football season in the Big Ten!
2. Iowa Hawkeyes - if the played Michigan State right now, I like the Hawkeyes chances, with 15 starters back from Iowa's 12-2 program. The schedule remains favorable, but there are plenty of tests that still will need to be completed, including a date with Michigan in Week 10.
3. Michigan State Spartans - the Spartans have been playing very well over the past three seasons, with plenty of positives in turnover margin, but they will have a target on their back, due to wins over Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten East, last season ...
4. Michigan Wolverines - everybody love Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines, as they jump Michigan State and Iowa in the polls. Who is the QB for 2016? Earn it! This program has not won a Big Ten title, since 2004 and it has been nearly a decade, since they were in the conversation for the Big Ten crown ...
5. Northwestern Wildcats - the Wildcats were outstanding in ten wins in 2015, including a season opener, against the Rose Bowl champs, Stanford; but, they were not competitive in losses @ Michigan, vs. Iowa and in the bowl game vs. Tennessee ...
6. Wisconsin Badgers - they have a challenging schedule and conventional wisdom would suggest that the Badgers may be headed for a fall in the Big Ten West standings ...
7. Penn State Nittany Lions - we enter Year 3 of the coach James Franklin and questions remain, as they shift to a spread offense in 2016, as they replace the other coordinator on the defensive side, as well.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers - the Mike Riley era began with a 6-7 season, including a bowl win over UCLA. The offense returns a lot of skill, but will the Blackshirts be championship worthy?
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers - the Tracy Claeys era will complete a full season in 2016, after he took over for the ill Jerry Kill mid-season. Explosive plays are the question on offense and on defense, as the retooling continues, coming off a 6-7 season.
10. Illinois Fighting Illini - the Lovie Smith era kicks off in Champaign, as QB Wes Lunt returns for his senior season. The Illini will look to be a spoiler in the Big Ten in 2016 ...
11. Indiana Hoosiers - Kevin Wilson has the Hoosiers coming off a bowl season, which is rare, with only three bowls in the past 25 or so years! Opener @ FIU tonight!
12. Purdue Boilermakers - Darrell Hazel has new offensive and defensive coordinators, as he enters Year 4 and a make or break season, most likely in West Lafayette!
13. Maryland Terrapins - the D.J. Durkin era begins, as the former Michigan defensive coordinator gets the full gig in College Park. The Terrapins play back to back road games in FL, with visits @ FIU and UCF, so only six home games for a B1G team, wow!
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights - the Chris Ash era begins, as the Iowa native brings a Ohio State and Houston flavor to Rutgers ... he will open B1G play against his native state team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. He opens the season @ Washington, which should be a great test!

Week 4: Thursday and Friday Night College Lights

Thursday, September 24th

• Cincinnati at Memphis 6:30 pm ESPN - AAC Thursday night show down!

Friday, September 25th

• Boise State at Virginia 7:00 pm ESPN - The Broncos head to UVA for a non-Power 5 vs. Power 5 showdown
• Stanford at Oregon State 9:00 pm FS1 - The Cardinal opened the season with a B1G loss; but rebounded in the Pac 12 opener vs. USC, as the Beavers look to get a Win in Pac 12 play!

Iowa opens B1G Basketball at Ohio State; while Maryland vs. Stanford in Foster Farms Bowl tonight

Columbus, OH - - Iowa (9-4, 0-0) opens conference basketball play at No. 18/21 Ohio State (11-2, 0-0) with a Tuesday Noon tipoff on ESPN2 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Iowa won last year's contest in Columbus.

Tuesday will mark the first time since the 2008-09 season that the Hawkeyes will open league play on the road.  Coincidentally, Iowa opened Big Ten play that season also at Ohio State. The Buckeyes edged the Hawkeyes, 68-65, on Dec. 31, 2008. 

Ohio State is 28-3 at home since the start of the 2013-14 season. The Hawkeyes were one of the three teams to beat the Buckeyes during that span at Value City Arena. Iowa won 84-74 on Jan. 12, 2014. 

Big Ten basketball tips off conference play with four games today, and three more games on Wednesday opposite the Big East Conference, who open with five games on FS1, also on Wednesday.

On the B1G Football side, the conference takes a 2-2 record into the conference's fifth bowl game, as Maryland (7-5) faces Stanford (7-5) at Levi Field in San Francisco with a 9 p.m. kickoff on ESPN in the Foster Farms Bowl.

"This has been a great week that we've been out here,” said Maryland head coach Randy Edsall. “Our guys got a chance to go to Alcatraz and go to St. Anthony's. It is very rewarding to do those things and it's great that the bowl is able to provide this. I don't know how many of our guys would be able to get there and do these types of things if it wasn't for what has taken place this week. They have worked hard this week and I am sure they've played hard when they have had the free time to do that. We are very, very grateful for the opportunity."

Maryland vs. Stanford Bowl Game Preview

Back to basketball, Ohio State has played 11 of its first 13 games at home in Value City Arena. The Buckeyes are a perfect 11-0 at home, winning their last game, 100-55, over Wright State on Dec. 27. 

Both Iowa and Ohio State have played North Carolina. The Tar Heels beat the Buckeyes (82-74) on Dec. 20 in Chicago, while the Hawkeyes won in Chapel Hill (60-55) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Dec. 3. 

Three Buckeyes average double figures in scoring: D'Angelo Russell (17.7 ppg), Marc Loving (12.4 ppg), and Sam Thompson (10.2 ppg). 

Iowa will have five days to prepare for its next conference opponent when it hosts Nebraska on Monday, Jan. 5, in the Hawkeyes' conference home opener. Iowa will play Michigan State at home next week on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Let's crown five outright Power Five Champs in 2014 with first College Football Playoff

Cedar Rapids, IA -- The new four team playoff creates a better Bowl System. It also provides for a fixed +1 system for a NCAA FBS Championship Game, which structures better than the old BCS system.

The season becomes more interesting with the CFP. The final bowl picture is better handled with 12 teams slotted into six bowls.

The final result should better bowl match-ups with the Top 12 teams matched up. The outright conference team can also be crowned for each Power 5 conference.

The top Two Bowls get a +1 system. It is a bowl system with the top two rated bowls getting a title game (+1).

Iowa fans despite the disappointment can get a great bowl opportunity, since we play in the B1G. As long as you are bowl eligible, the bowl selection process should provide far mar balanced match-ups.

The idea of Iowa vs. Stanford is great. Neither team had the type of season they wanted. But, 15 practices can award each with an opportunity to spring into 2015 with some momentum.

This is a better bowl system with a +1 for top two bowls. The BCS didn't create good match-ups, outside the picking of #1 vs. #2.

So, who should get Top 4 spots?

But, ultimately the Top 11 Power 5 teams and Top non-power conference team will get slotted into a better bowl match-up, than the old BCS.

Baylor vs. TCU would be a good rematch. Not the same as OU vs. Nebraska, but who would be #1 on a neutral field? Who is the outright Big 12 champion for 2014?

Are either worthy of #1 - no.

The Committee should reward Ohio State, since injury hurt them in their lone non-conference loss. The QB injury hit them 2 times and they appear for the most part as plug and play team. They went undefeated In conference play and outright champion.

Let Baylor (8-1) and TCU (8-1) play for a Big 12 outright champion game in this year's bowl picture.

Sugar - Alabama (8-1) vs. Florida State (9-0)

Rose - Oregon (8-1) vs. Ohio State (9-0)

Conference titles matter and the four above won outright titles.

The new system is a great way to preserve and improve bowl system, unlike BCS, and allow for a +1 Game.

TCU vs. Baylor on neutral field would crown an outright Big 12 winner. Let's see the real champion is in 2014.

peace

TCU hadn't played ISU yet, which hurt them in SOS. It helped them previous in the weekly rankings.

Happy New Year: Bring on the B1G Day of College Football

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, as it was a great New Year's Eve for Iowa and Creighton's basketball teams, with conference opening victories last night. Texas A&M pulled out the Chick-fil-A Bowl over Duke, with a late Pick 6 to overcome the deficit ...

Now, four B1G New Year's Games to open the year 2014!

Gator Bowl:
Georgia vs. Nebraska at 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2 (HD)
It has been an emotional season for coach Bo Pelini and the Cornhuskers, as two teams face off 2014, as they did 365 days ago!

Heart of Dallas Bowl:
North Texas vs. UNLV at 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU (HD)
The Mean Green coach Dan McCarney is an old Big Ten guy; but they face a MWC replacement, since no B1G teams were eligible for the Big Ten bowl slot.

Capital One Bowl:
South Carolina vs. Wisconsin at 12:00 p.m. on ABC (HD)
First year coach Gary Anderson has the Badgered back in Florida, after his predecessor Bret Bielema lead Wisconsin to three straight Rose Bowls!

Outback Bowl:
Iowa vs. LSU at 12:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) - Our Pick: Iowa 27-21
The Hawkeyes are back in a bowl game coming off an awful 4-8 in 2012, while the Tigers are looking for another bowl win, after losing 3 of last 4!

Rose Bowl:
Michigan State vs. Stanford at 4:00 p.m. at ESPN (HD)
The 100th Granddaddy of them all will be a classic game of smash mouth, physical football with strong play at the line of scrimmage, as the Spartans return, after a 26 year drought vs. a Cardinal back in Pasadena for the New Year!

Fiesta Bowl:
Baylor vs. UCF at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN (HD)
Welcome to the BCS as the Big 12 champions are the Bears from Waco vs
the first AAC champs are the Knights from Orlando, after moving to the AAC from the C-USA ...

It is first day of 2014, so we want to wish everyone good health, joy, love, hope, prosperity, peace and happiness in the New Year!

The final season of Leaders, Legends and BCS has come: The envelop please ...

Michigan State vs. Stanford in Rose Bowl, in the 100th Game!

At least Ohio State made the B1G Title Game for the first time in three years. Michigan, not at all. Little Brother in MI is at the top of the B1G!

B1G East in 2014 

1) MSU (8-0) - Rose Bowl bound for the first time in 26 years!

2) OSU (8-0) - at large BCS for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes!

3) PSU (4-4) - probation

4) Michigan (3-5) - hearing they may be headed to Tempe for a date with K-State?

5) Maryland (3-5 ACC Atlantic) - Will they be in the Military vs. someone like Marshall or could they fall to B1G spot in Detroit?
6) Rutgers (3-5 in AAC) - and the will play Notre Dame in Pinstripe Bowl!
7) Indiana (3-5) - The Hoosiers are in the cellar, with state rival Purdue headed to the B1G West.

B1G West in 2014
1) Wisconsin (6-2) - Should be Cap 1 for 2013!
2) Iowa (5-3) - Should be Outback for 2014!
3) Nebraska (5-3) - Next, would be the Gator for the Cornhuskers?
4) Minnesota (5-3) - The Texas Bowl is not on January 1, so Big Ten fans can see it ...
5) Northwestern (1-7) - The season didn't pan out ...
6) Illinois (1-7) - Welcome back to Iowa's schedule for the first time, since '08.
7) Purdue (0-8) - Still in the cellar, though it is out West.

With departures, division realignment and new schedules, the Big Ten pecking order will likely see wholesale changes in the coming season. Here's to the Holidays!

The era of Leaders and Legends has passed. The Leaders won the first two titles, but the Legends finished it off in Year 3, with the Michigan State Spartans winning it all.

If the new Final 4 was happening this season:

1. Auburn (12-1) - the SEC schedule in the West was better
2. Florida State (13-0) - the ACC is a little soft, but they made the playoffs
3. Alabama (11-1) - the reigning champs would still be in the hunt
4. Michigan State (12-1) - the B1G isn't as soft as once suspected ...   

But, we will have to wait until next year ...

So, the final BCS Title Game will be Florida State (13-0) vs. Auburn (12-1) in Pasadena for the final game.