A look at the Big Ten teams, after Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season

Have a problem with @JLaurinaitis55 keeping Michigan at No. 3?

He hears you, but there's a reason he isn't dropping the Wolverines.

Get his latest power rankings, presented by @ArcelorMittalUS. pic.twitter.com/1ii71JPunF

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 3, 2018

There are various schools of thoughts, when it comes to Top 25 ratings and conference power ratings heading into each season. Around the country, there are certain programs that often are ranked on reputation.

For example, last year, Florida State was a prime example of a school expected to finish in the Top 5, but at season's end, it finished 7-6, with wins over Delaware State, a 4-7 Florida, ULM and a bowl win over Southern Miss to take a 3-6 record and finish with a winning record. Florida State is often one of the most overrated programs each year, in College Football.

Another team with plenty of questions to answer entering 2018 is Michigan. The Wolverines finished 8-5 last year, with three straight losses @ Wisconsin, against Ohio State and in the bowl game against South Carolina. Now, they have lost four straight, with the 24-17 loss @ Notre Dame to open 2018 College Football season.

My problem with Michigan at #3 in the Big Ten power ratings is based on what have they done to earn the preseason #3 rating in the first place?

Despite a new season, familiar struggles returned for Michigan, as the Wolverines fell to No. 12 Notre Dame.

Game story: https://t.co/9OMMwKQJjl pic.twitter.com/AAkDrkceF4

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) September 2, 2018

The Big Ten appears to be loaded in 2018? Michigan State and Penn State struggled in Week 1, but they won. Michigan shouldn't be awarded for a moral victory, as James Laurinaitis appears to suggest that should be considered?

Notre Dame is a good program, but ultimately, like with Florida State in 2017. We don't know how good any team may be, until after enough games are played. Notre Dame lost to Georgia, @ Miami-FL and @ Stanford last year, so good losses. They are often overrated.

There are five college football teams that are continually overrated.

Notre Dame.
Texas.
Michigan.
USC.
FSU.

I never trust their rankings until the season's progressed a ways.

— Connor Mighell (@cmigbear) September 4, 2018

Michigan and Nebraska are two Big Ten programs that are often among the Top 7 schools overrated in preseason ratings. Texas is the most common example. On Saturday, they clearly rose up and demonstrated why, when they fell 34-29 @ Maryland in a game played in Landover, MD.

Deja vu for the Longhorns.

Texas loses to Maryland in back-to-back season openers. pic.twitter.com/W7C1JDJGJb

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 1, 2018

So, after Week 1, here are the Big Ten power ratings ....

1. Wisconsin (1-0) - the Badgers have won 3 of the first 4 West division titles; and 5 of the first 7 division titles, when you toss in the first 3 seasons of Leaders and Legends, when division play began in the 2011 season in the Big Ten. Week 1 - beat Georgia State 34-3. Week 2 - vs. New Mexico (1-0) - first meeting between each program.
2. Michigan State (1-0) - the Spartans return 19 starters from last year's team, including one 3 OT loss @ Northwestern. It's not uncommon for Mark Dantonio teams to start slowly. The Spartans won the Big Ten in 2015. Week 1 - beat Utah State 38-31. Week 2 - @ Arizona State (1-0) - which is certainly going to be a big test, at night, in the Valley of the Sun! 
3. Ohio State (1-0) - the Buckeyes have had some off the field issues, since Big Ten Media Days. In the past two seasons, OSU has lost two games by 31 points. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten last year. Week 1 - destroyed Oregon State 77-31. Week 2 - vs. Rutgers (1-0), as head coach Urban Meyer returns to practice on Tuesday, but Meyer's three game suspension remains in force.
4. Penn State (1-0) - the Nittany Lions enter 2018 needing to replace play-makers on offense and welcome a new offensive coordinators. They won the Big Ten in 2016. Week 1 - beat Appalachian State 45-37 in OT. Week 2 - @ Pittsburgh (1-0), the Panthers beat the Nittany Lions here in 2016, so this one should be very interesting.
5. Northwestern (1-0, 1-0 B1G West) - the Wildcats opened 2018 in conference play for the first time in a long, long while. Week 1 - won @ Purdue 31-27, as two QB system of Clayton Thorson and T.J. Green is utilized by head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Week 2 - vs. Duke (1-0), who beat the Wildcats 41-17, after the Wildcats had won back to back non-conference games against the Blue Devils in previous seasons.
6. Iowa (1-0) - the Hawkeyes tallied the 144th win to boost Kirk Ferentz into the all-time win leader, as head coach. Week 1 - beat Northern Illinois 33-7. Week 2 - CyHawk game against Iowa State (0-0), who are looking to complete a game, after thunderstorms shelved their opener on Saturday night.
7. Michigan (0-1) - the Wolverines have one victory over a rival entering the fourth season of head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines will get plenty of opportunities to move up, since they play 1-5 in conference play. Week 1 - lost @ Notre Dame 24-17. Week 2 - vs. Western Michigan (0-1), the Wolverines should be safe in another home opener, having won 25 of last 28.
8. Purdue (0-1, 0-1 B1G West) - the Boilermakers play two quarterbacks and often the old saying with quarterbacks, if you have two, you likely have none. This appeared to be the case, watching game one. Week 1 - lost to Northwestern 31-27. Week 2 - vs. Eastern Michigan (1-0), who will start former Iowa QB Tyler Wiegers, who had a solid first start for the Eagles.
9. Indiana (1-0) - the Hoosiers were the only Big Ten team to pick up a win on the road to open the season. Week 1 - won @ FIU 38-28 to pick up first win of season. Week 2 - vs. Virginia (1-0), as the Hoosiers have won 14 of the past 16 home openers.
10. Nebraska (0-0) - the Scott Frost era has to wait one week to officially kickoff, after a thunderstorm Saturday night canceled the home opener. Week 1 - vs. Akron - canceled. Week 2 - vs. Colorado (1-0), the Huskers have won three straight in the series and three straight in Lincoln. Last meeting was 2010.
11. Rutgers (1-0) - the Scarlet Knights open the third season, with head coach Chris Ash. Week 1 - won 35-10 over Texas State. Week 2 - @ Ohio State (1-0), the Buckeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights 56-0 last season in New Brunswick, after 58-0 previously in Columbus.
12. Maryland (1-0) - the Terrapins opened 2018, with new offensive coordinator Matt Canada, also in the interim head coach role, after D.J. Durkin was placed on administrative leave in August. Week 1 - beat Texas 34-29 to begin back to back seasons, with an upset win over a ranked Longhorns team (note - not ranked in my Top 25). Week 2 - @ Bowling Green (0-1), which is ironically Durkin's alma mater.
13. Minnesota (1-0) - the Golden Gophers opened the second year under head coach P.J. Fleck, with another non-conference win. They Golden Gophers are 4-0 OOC under Fleck. Week 1 - beat New Mexico State 48-10. Week 2 - vs. Fresno State (1-0), the Bulldogs were 10-4 last season and are likely the best non-conference, since Fleck arrived that the Golden Gophers have lined up against.
14. Illinois (1-0) - the Fighting Illini entered 2018, coming off a ten game losing streak. Week 1 - despite playing from behind much of the game, Illinois beat Kent State 31-24. Week 2 - vs. Western Illinois (0-1), the Fighting Illini are 2-0 in this series outscoring the Leathernecks 65-0.

Week 2: Two more Big Ten teams take the field, while the top match ups take place out West involving Pac 12 teams

Two more games involving Big Ten programs kickoff Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season on Friday night, as games kicked off in Minneapolis and West Lafayette on Thurday night involving three B1G teams.

2018 Season Trailer. Leave the jersey in a better place.
#HEAVE pic.twitter.com/16AwI3GDJh

— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 31, 2018

#9 Michigan State (10-3 in '17) kicks off the 12th season under Mark Dantonio, as Utah State (6-7) comes to East Lansing, after opening at Wisconsin in 2018. Over in Madison, the #8 Wisconsin Badgers (13-1) kickoff 2018 against Western Kentucky (6-7) on Friday night

The Wisconsin Badgers went undefeated for the first time in
the regular season last year, in program history. Can they
hit higher heights in the 2018 College Football season?

• #35 Northwestern 31, #36 Purdue 27, as both team relied on two quarterbacks in a competitive game, where the Boilermakers fell behind by 14 points on two occasions, the second time leading to the difference in the game.
• Minnesota 48, New Mexico State 10, as Golden Gophers true freshman QB Zack Annexstad made his debut as the #1 quarterback. Can he whether a 12 game schedule appears to be the first question, after the experience in Game 1?

Friday, August 31st
Syracuse at Western Michigan	5:00 pm	CBSSN
Army at Duke	6:00 pm	ESPNU
Utah State at #9 Michigan State	6:00 pm	BTN
#45 San Diego State at #12 Stanford	8:00 pm	FS1
Western Kentucky at #8 Wisconsin	8:00 pm	ESPN
Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver)	8:30 pm	CBSSN
The 2018 College Football Season kicked on Thursday ....
Monmouth at Eastern Michigan	5:30 pm	$espn+ Video
Portland State at Nevada	8:00 pm	MWC Video

Preseason has ended: Bring on the 2018 Big Ten Football

So, who do we like in the Big Ten pecking order, as we kickoff the 2018 College Football Season begins tonight?

All five returning starters are back for the 2018 UW Badgers,
who have won 3 out of 4 West divisions, since 2014 and the
kickoff of the College Football Playoff. Can they win the B1G?

• #1 Wisconsin (13-1) - the loaded offense and 34-7 over the past 3 seasons under HC Paul Chryst makes the Badgers the team to beat in the West and a likely participant in Indianapolis in 2018 ....

Junior QB 14 Brian Lewerke leads the MSU Spartans and
the hope to pull the rope back into Indianapolis, after missing
last season. Behind UW, who have been to five Big Ten Title
games. The Spartans have been to three themselves.

• #2 Michigan State (10-3) - HC Mark Dantonio returns 19 starters from last year and a favorable schedule, with key games coming to East Lansing in 2018 ....

Member of the Ohio State of Trustees resigned over the light
punishment given to Urban Meyer in light of the August news
unfolding in Columbus, leading to the suspension of Meyer
and athletic direction Gene Smith. Meyer loses 3 games in 2018.

• #3 Ohio State (12-2) - the off the field issues surround HC Urban Meyer's program should likely knock the Buckeyes lower, but we shall see how the football plays out in 2018 ....

The Penn State Nittany Lions return senior QB Trace McSorley, but some top
play-makers have moved onto the NFL and new players will need to step up
at RB, WR and TE for the 2018 College Football season.

• #4 Penn State (12-2) - the Nittany Lions are seeking to get back to the Big Ten title game, after falling short last year. New players will have to step up and HC James Franklin will have his third OC, since arriving in State College, in 2014.

Junior Ole Miss QB transfer 2 Shea Patterson will engineer the
4th season of Michigan football under HC Jim Harbaugh, as
the Wolverines travel to South Bend, to face Notre Dame.

• #5 Michigan (8-5) - the Wolverines fell short last season and were the only Big Ten bowl team, out of eight bowl participants, to lose their bowl match up. The defense should be strong, but how will the offense step up in 2018 ....

Northwestern senior QB 18 Clayton Thorson is coming off knee
surgery and is questionable for the B1G season opener tonight.

• #6 Winner of Northwestern (10-3) @ Purdue (7-6) - the Wildcats beat the Boilermakers 23-13 last season, it appears more and more likely junior QB T.J. Green will have to lead his team into West Lafayette for a program known for slow starts lately under HC Pat Fitzgerald ....



It's about that time! To Fight For Iowa | #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/2s6cXSIIsC

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 30, 2018



• #7 Iowa (8-5) - the Hawkeyes are seeking to get back in the West division title position, after back to back seasons falling short against the Badgers and Wildcats. How much has Iowa's offense, defense and special teams improved this off season, as the Hawkeyes enter the 20th season under HC Kirk Ferentz?

The Boilermakers have two QBs coming off injuries. Tonight,
the QB jerseys stay off and the 2018 starter will make his debut
for the 2nd season of Purdue football under Jeff Brohm. Will
it be senior 11 David Blough or junior 2 Elijah Sindelar at QB?

• #8 Loser of Northwestern (10-3) @ Purdue (7-6) - the Boilermakers only return four defensive starters from last season, so how fast can they get out of the blocks, after a strong first season under Jeff Brohm, know mostly for offense?

New HC Scott Frost returns to Nebraska in 2018. A place back
 in 1997, where he lead the Dr. Tom Osborne to the Cornhuskers last
co-national championship, shared with the Michigan Wolverines.

• #9 Nebraska (4-8) - the Huskers will open the 2018 season, with a true freshman at QB, with an offense, with talent in the skill positions, but questions in the trenches and with zero Blackshirts to pass out Day 1 ....

The Indiana Hoosiers head to Florida to kickoff the 2018 College
Football season at Florida International (8-5).

• #10 Indiana (5-7) - the Hoosiers enter the second straight season under HC Tom Allen, who continues to lead the IU defensive unit, as well.

Like Nebraska and Minnesota, Rutgers will ask a true freshman,
QB 8 Artur Sikowski, to lead the Scarlet Knights offense in 2018.

• #11 Rutgers (4-8) - the Scarlet Knights enter the third season under HC Chris Ash, who will have his third offensive coordinator to lead the offense. How will Rutgers step up in the trenches, when they get into Big Ten play?

This was supposed to be D.J. Durkin's third season at the helm
of the Maryland Terrapins. But, following the release of a player's
autopsy, the media found underlying questions of abuse in the
Maryland football program. Durkin hasn't been fired, but members
of the strength and conditioning program are gone and plenty of ???  

• #12 Maryland (4-8) - the Terrapins turn to first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada to lead the program, as D.J. Dirkin remains on administrative leave. Injuries hampered the quarterback position last season, as five players took the position. Can this team weather the storm in 2018?

Year 0 is in the books, as HC P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Golden
Gophers open 2018 against New Mexico State (0-1 in '18,
7-6 in '17) in TCF Bank Stadium tonight. Row the boat ....

• #13 Minnesota (5-7) - the Golden Gophers will be the third B1G program turning to a true freshman quarterback to run their offense. The Gophers should be more physically ready to compete in 2018.

Coming off a 2-10 season, is Lovie Smith on the hot seat entering this year? pic.twitter.com/4ZmM4dAkDh

— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) August 30, 2018

• #14 Illinois (2-10) - the Fighting Irish enter 2018 coming off a ten game losing streak, as HC Lovie Smith brings in a new offensive coordinator and the spread offense, last played at Arizona and Michigan, as Rod Smith returns to B1G to serve under HC Lovie Smith.

Week 1 - College Football kicks off on Thursday Night

The #1 question surrounding #35 Northwestern is whether senior
QB 18 Clayton Thorson will be able to start in the Big Ten opener
@ #36 Purdue on Thursday night? A 7 PM kickoff on ESPN.

Three Big Ten teams kick off the 2018 season of College Football on Thursday night, including a B1G East showdown in West Lafayette, between #35 Northwestern @ #36 Purdue. The Wildcats took care of business in Evanston last season, 23-13 against the Boilermakers.

Sun Times Preview of Northwestern-Purdue

In Minneapolis, Minnesota opens up the season against New Mexico State (0-1), who opened last Saturday at home, in a 29-7 loss against Wyoming. New Mexico State finished 2017, with a 7-6 record, while the Golden Gophers were 5-7 in the debut of head coach P.J. Fleck.

New Mexico State @ Minnesota with a 6 PM start on the Big Ten Network.

Thursday, August 30th
New Mexico State (0-1) at Minnesota	6:00 pm	BTN
#23 UCF at UConn	6:00 pm	ESPNU
CCSU at Ball State	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Kennesaw State at Georgia State	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Missouri State at #22 Oklahoma State	7:00 pm	FS1
#35 Northwestern at #36 Purdue	7:00 pm	ESPN
Wake Forest at Tulane	7:00 pm	CBSSN
Weber State at #33 Utah	7:00 pm	PAC-12 Network
Savannah State at UAB	7:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana Monroe	7:00 pm	$espn+ Video
2018 College Football Season
Northwestern State at # Texas A&M	7:30 pm	SEC Network
Portland State at Nevada	8:00 pm	MWC Video
UC Davis at San Jose State	9:00 pm	No TV

Texas A&M kicks off the Jimbo Fisher era on Thursday night in College Station.
After eight seasons at Florida State, Fisher brings a 83-23 record to A&M.
Northwestern State (4-7 in FCS) is the opening game opponent this season.

How Cidsports would rank the Top programs heading into 2018?

Best four for this year's College Football Playoff in 2018

• Alabama
• Clemson
• Georgia
• Washington

Cidsports Top 45 heading into the 2018 College Football Season

• #1 Clemson (12-2) 
• #2 Alabama (13-1)
• #3 Georgia (13-2) 
• #4 Oklahoma (12-2)
• #5 Washington (10-3) vs. #6 Auburn (10-4)
• #7 Ohio State (12-2)
• #8 Wisconsin (13-1)
• #9 Michigan State (10-3)
• #10 Penn State (11-2)
• #11 Miami-FL (10-3)
• #12 Stanford (9-5) 
• #14 Michigan (8-5) @ #13 Notre Dame (10-3) 
• #15 USC (11-3)
• #16 TCU (11-3)
• #17 LSU (9-4)
• #18 Mississippi State (9-4)
• #20 Virginia Tech (9-4) @ #19 Florida State (7-6)
• #21 Boise State (10-3)
• #22 Oklahoma State (10-3)
• #23 UCF (13-0)
• #24 Iowa (8-5)
• #25 FAU (11-3)
• #26 Texas (7-6)
• #27 West Virginia (7-6)
• #28 South Carolina (9-4)
• #29 Oregon (7-6)
• #30 North Carolina State (9-4)
• #31 Iowa State (8-5)
• #32 Boston College (7-6)
• #33 Utah (7-6)
• #34 Kansas State (8-5)
• #35 Northwestern (10-3) @ #36 Purdue (7-6)
• #37 Arizona (7-6)
• #38 Houston (7-5)
• #39 Memphis (10-3)
• #40 Troy (11-2)
• #41 Florida (4-7)
• #42 Kentucky (7-6)
• #43 Arkansas State (7-5)
• #44 Fresno State (10-4)
• #45 San Diego State (10-3)

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 ...

Michigan State, Iowa and eight other Big Ten teams heading to Bowl Games in 2015-16

Michigan State represents the Big Ten in the Cotton Bowl, as one part of the
National CFP semi-finals. Iowa and Ohio State are headed to College Football
Playoff  bowls, as well, with dates in the Rose and Fiesta, respectively. 

IOWA CITY, IA -- Following its 16-13 win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, Michigan State has reached the College Football Playoff, while the Hawkeyes are headed to its first Rose Bowl Game in 25 years. Eight other Big Ten teams are headed to bowl games, including two 5-7 programs, due to open bowl slots in 2015-16.

In the final 27 seconds in Indianapolis, Michigan State knocked off Iowa,
16-13, to move into the Top 4 for the College Football Playoffs.

The Spartans (12-1, 7-1 Big Ten) were named the third seed in the four-team playoff and will play second-seeded and SEC Champion Alabama (12-1, 7-1 SEC) in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Thursday, Dec. 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (time 7 p.m. CST; TV: ESPN).

No. 1 seed Clemson (13-0) will face No. 4 Oklahoma (11-1) in the Capital One Orange Bowl, also on Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. CST.

The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game is set for Jan. 11 in Glendale, Arizona, at University of Phoenix Stadium. Ohio State won last year's National Championship in North Dallas, over Oregon 42-20 to finish 14-1.

The 2015 Iowa team captains heading out for the coin toss during the Big Ten
Championship Game with Michigan State on Saturday night in Indianapolis.

The University of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the 102nd Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California. The Rose Bowl is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. (CST), on Friday, Jan. 1. The game will be televised by ESPN from the Rose Bowl (89,105). Fifth-ranked Iowa meet, Pac-12 champion and sixth-ranked Stanford (11-2).

For the first time, Iowa and Stanford will meet in a football game, as each
accepted bowl bids the Rose Bowl Game, a tradition between the Big Ten
vs. the Pac 12. The Hawkeyes haven't been in Pasadena in 25 years, while
the Cardinal are playing in its third Rose Bowl in four years.

The Hawkeyes are making their sixth appearance in the Rose Bowl, but their first appearance in Pasadena since 1991. The Hawkeyes are 2-3 in past Rose Bowl contests with their last victory coming in 1959 against California. Iowa has posted a 14-13-1 record in 28 previous bowl appearances.

Iowa won the Big Ten Conference West Division with a record of 12-1, including 8-0 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes' only loss came against No. 3 Michigan State (16-13) in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Stanford is lead by Heisman Trophy finalist senior AP offensive performer  #5
running back Christian McCaffery for the Cardinal coach David Shaw. 

This will be the first ever meeting between Iowa and Stanford. The Hawkeyes are 28-36-1 all-time against current teams in the Pac-12.

Iowa ranks third among Big Ten teams in bowl appearances and is bowl eligible for the 13th time under coach head Kirk Ferentz. Iowa has posted a 6-5 bowl record under Ferentz, including wins in four of seven January bowl games. Since the 2001 season, no Big Ten team has won more bowl games, or has a higher winning percentage in bowl games, than Iowa.

The Big Ten, Pac 12 and SEC lead the Power 5 conferences will bowl bids,
as the 2015-16 bowl season kicks off on Saturday, December 19th. The Big Ten
will get started after Christmas, on the 26th, when the Pinstripe Bowl is played.

Bowl matchups for the 2015-16 Bowl season.

Big Ten Matches Conference Record with 10 Bowl Teams

For the second straight year and just the third time in conference history, 10 Big Ten schools were selected for bowl competition on Sunday, including three teams earning berths in College Football Playoff bowls. The Big Ten’s total of 10 bowl teams equals the conference record for most bowl berths in a season, matching the 10 postseason teams following the 2011 and 2014 campaigns.

The Michigan State Spartans won its second Big Ten Championship game in
three seasons, with a 16-13 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Spartans have
played in three of the first five Big Ten Championship Games.

Big Ten Champion Michigan State earned a berth in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. Iowa and Ohio State also will take part in College Football Playoff bowls, with the Hawkeyes heading to the Rose Bowl Game and the Buckeyes earning a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. In addition, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin collected bids as part of the largest and most diverse postseason lineup in conference history.

Two Big Ten centers are among the three finalists for the Remington Trophy,
as Iowa senior C #63 Austin Blythe and MSU senior C #66 Jack Allen were named.

Iowa returns to the Rose Bowl Game for the first time since a match-up with Washington to conclude the 1990 season. The Hawkeyes were ranked No. 5 by the College Football Playoff selection committee and will face No. 6 Stanford on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif. This will mark the sixth appearance for the Hawkeyes in Pasadena and 68th by a Big Ten squad. The Hawkeyes will be taking part in postseason play for the 29th time.

#8 Notre Dame (10-2) against #7 Ohio State (11-1) in the Fiesta Bowl.

Ohio State will be back in the Fiesta Bowl for the first time since the 2008 season. The Buckeyes (11-1) were ranked No. 7 and will take on No. 8 Notre Dame (10-2) at Noon p.m. CST on Jan. 1 in Glendale, Ariz., a rematch of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl won by the Buckeyes. This will mark the seventh appearance for Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl and the ninth appearance by a Big Ten team. The Buckeyes will make their 46th official postseason appearance.

Rematch of the 2007 season, as Michigan and Florida square off in Orlando.
Michigan won the last game, 41-35, over the Gators. It was Michigan coach
Lloyd Carr's final game. This game matches teams with new head coaches.

No. 14 Michigan (9-3) will take part in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl at Noon CST on Jan. 1 in Orlando, Fla., against No. 19 Florida (10-3). The game will mark the Wolverines’ 44th bowl trip overall and fifth appearance in the Citrus Bowl, the Big Ten’s second-oldest current bowl partner behind only the Rose Bowl Game. Michigan last played in the Citrus Bowl at the conclusion of the 2007 season and defeated the Gators, 41-35. Big Ten teams have played in 25 Citrus Bowls, including each of the last 23 seasons.

#23 Tennessee (8-4) vs. Northwestern (10-2) in the Outback Bowl. The Volunteers
won the TaxSlayer Bowl last season over Iowa. The Wildcats are bowling for
the first time in three seasons, coming off back to back 5-7 seasons, under Pat
Fitzgerald, in his 10th season.

No. 13 Northwestern (10-2) will play in the Outback Bowl for the second time in school history and the first time since the 2009 season. The Wildcats will face No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) at 11 am CST on Jan. 1 in Tampa, Fla. Northwestern will be taking part in a bowl game for the 12th time in program history. The Outback Bowl is the Big Ten’s third-oldest current bowl partner and has been affiliated with the conference since the 1993 season. Big Ten schools have played in 26 Outback Bowls, including each of the last 22 seasons.

#25 USC (8-5) vs. Wisconsin (9-3) will meet in the Holiday Bowl.

Wisconsin (9-3) earned an invitation from the Holiday Bowl to face No. 25 Southern California (8-5) at 9:30 p.m. CST on Dec. 30 in San Diego, Calif. The Badgers are taking part in postseason play for a school-record 14th straight season and are making their 27th bowl appearance. Wisconsin will make its first trip to the Holiday Bowl, which will mark the 11th appearance by a Big Ten team.

Penn State (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3) meet in the TaxSlayer Bowl.

Penn State will take part in the in the TaxSlayer Bowl at Noon ET on Jan. 2 against Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla. The Nittany Lions will be making their 46th appearance in postseason play and fifth in the TaxSlayer Bowl, with the most recent visit taking place at the conclusion of the 1976 season in what was then known as the Gator Bowl.

Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl to kickoff the 2015-168
bowl season for the Big Ten Conference on December 26th. It is the first
bowl game, since 2007.

Indiana (6-6) will make the Big Ten’s second appearance in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at 3:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 26 against Duke (7-5) at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, N.Y. The Hoosiers are making their first postseason trip since the 2007 season and 10th overall. Penn State was victorious in the conference’s first Pinstripe Bowl appearance last season.

Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4) as the programs meet for the third time in
four seasons, but this one is in a bowl game, as two meet in the Foster Farms
Bowl. Mike Riley was 6-2 in bowl games for Oregon State, so it will be interesting.

Nebraska (5-7) will face UCLA (8-4) in the Foster Farms Bowl, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. CST on Dec. 26 in Santa Clara, Calif. Nebraska will make its first appearance in the Foster Farms Bowl, its 52nd bowl appearance overall and will play in a ninth straight postseason game. The contest will mark the fourth time that a current Big Ten team will play in the Foster Farms Bowl, including a 2007 appearance by Maryland in what was then called the Emerald Bowl.

Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7) in the Quick Lane Bowl,
as the MAC meets the Big Ten in Detroit.

Minnesota (5-7) earned a berth to face Central Michigan (7-5) in the second annual Quick Lane Bowl at 4 p.m. CST on Dec. 28 in Detroit, Mich. The Gophers will be making their 18th postseason appearance and fourth straight bowl trip. Rutgers earned a victory over North Carolina in the inaugural Quick Lane Bowl last season.

Four Big Ten programs will be home for the Holidays, not reaching bowl games

Illinois named Bill Cubit its coach, after carrying the interim tag most of the
2015 season. Cubit, who was a former head coach in the MAC, was given
a two year contract to lead the Fighting Illini. Illinois bowled in 2014.

• Illinois (5-7) didn't get selected for one of the remaining bowl slots. The Fighting Illini open the 2016 season with Murray State on Saturday, September 3rd.

Purdue hired Darrell Hazell in December 2012 and over three seasons, the
Boilermakers are 1-11, 3-9 and 2-10. There is plenty of work here with only
two Big Ten wins over the past three seasons. Purdue bowled in 2012.

• Purdue (2-10) - The Boilermakers only B1G win was 55-45 against Nebraska in 2015.

Maryland hired Michigan DC D.J. Durkin its newest coach, after firing
Randy Edsall ahead of its bye week. The Terrapins saw its two straight bowl
streak end in 2015. Durkin was a DC previously at Florida, as well.

• Maryland (3-9) - The Terrapins elected to hire a defensive coach, after suggesting they may go with an offensive minded coach, after the firing of Randy Edsall. They have suggested a spread offense will be employed under new coach D.J. Durkin.

After a 4-8 season and plenty of off the field issues, including a three game
suspension of coach Kyle Flood, Rutgers fired Flood and replaced him with
an Iowa native, Drake graduate, Chirs Ash. Ash was a DC at Wisconsin and
Ohio State, most recently. Rutgers last bowled in 2014.

• Rutgers (4-8) - The Scarlet Knights have named Iowa native and Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash its new head coach.

Iowa fans interested in purchasing tickets to the Rose Bowl Game are encouraged to make their request through the UI Athletics Ticket Office. By doing so, fans of the Hawkeyes will help the UI Athletics Department meet its obligation to the bowl game by selling the full allotment of tickets it assumes responsibility for as a participant.

Ticket prices range from $150-$185 with Iowa's ticket allocation located in sections 11-18. A benefit of purchasing bowl game tickets through the UI Athletics Ticket Office is a seat location inside the Rose Bowl among Hawkeye fans.

The UI Athletics Ticket Office will limit orders for game tickets to eight for Kinnick Gold & Kinnick Society; six for Champion Hawks; four for Golden & Silver Hawks; and two for remaining I-Club members, and season ticket holders. UI student season ticket holders may order one ticket and request to be seated with up to eight other students. Fans who are not I-Club or season ticket holders may go online and request to be placed on a waiting list.

The UI Athletics Ticket Office will assign seat location based on ticket orders received by the priority deadline of 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 10. The UI Athletics Ticket Office will continue to accept orders for tickets beyond the priority deadline as long as it has ticket inventory available. The UI Athletics Ticket Office will notify fans of their order status by Monday, Dec. 14, at noon CT.

As always, the UI Association will offer an official tour for friends of the UI and fans of the Hawkeyes looking for a turn-key travel solution.

For more information on the Rose Bowl Game visit: www,tournamentofroses.com.