Big Ten Update

Let's take a look at how the Big Ten is shaping up so far. First, let's look at the standings

Team/Conf. W-L/Overall W-L

1. Penn State/2-0/6-0
2. Ohio State/2-0/5-1
3. Michigan State/2-0/5-1
4. Northwestern/1-0/5-0
5. Minnesota/1-1/5-1
6. Illinois/1-1/3-2
7. Michigan/1-1/2-3
8. Purdue/0-1/2-3
9. Wisconsin/0-2/3-2
10. Iowa/0-2/3-3
11. Indiana/0-2/2-3

At first glance, the team that really seems out of wack is Wisconsin, at the bottom with an 0-2 record. Many had this team winning the Big Ten this year, and clearly this is not a possibility, having already lost twice, and especially to Ohio State. The Badgers are once again facing a tough opponent int he Nittany Lions this week, and could easily go 0-3 to start their Big Ten season.

Penn State clearly has been the most dominant team in the Big Ten, averaging 44.8 points a game, and only giving up 11.6 point per game. They had an impressive win over Illinois (ranked #22 at the time), but face their toughest test this Saturday when they travel to Wisconsin, a team that will be hell-bent on not going 0-3 in the conference. If the Nittany Lions can come out with a win, the Penn State-Ohio State tilt on October 25th will most likely produce the Big Ten champion. Penn State remains one of only two undefeated Big Ten teams, and a BCS title game bid is not out of the question, but only if they run the table.

Michigan State has been impressive so far, with only a 38-31 loss at Cal in the loss column. However, their two Big Ten wins have come against Indiana and Iowa, so they really haven't been tested. This Saturday's game against Northwestern and then their Oct. 18th game against the Buckeyes will tell even more.

Ohio State, also tied for the Big Ten lead at 2-0, is a team with a lot of question marks. Ohio State is near the bottom of the conference in scoring offense (Iowa has scored more points folks ... ouch), but the defense remains tough, although has given up 35 to USC and has melted down at times, such as in the fourth quarter against Wisconsin, letting the Badgers ram it down their throats with mostly up the middle rushing plays. The Buckeyes are weak up front on the D-line, and have rarely rushed the passer with much success. If this continues, Darryl Clark and Juice Williams may have field days against the defense, just as Mark Sanchez and company did in LA.

At this point in the season, Illinois seems the only other real Big Ten title contender, although their loss to Penn State will be difficult to overcome. Illinois showed their potent offense against Michigan, and if they can continue that success, they have a chance for at least a share of the Big Ten title.

Although Northwestern has not lost yet, it remains to be seen whether this streak will continue, and most likely ... it won't.

Michigan has shown tremendous struggles on both sides of the ball, although they won a shocking 27-25 game against the Badgers, after going down 19-0.

The Penn State vs. Ohio State game on October 25th in Columbus will most likely decide the conference's automatic BCS bid.

Current prediction for the Big Ten champion: Ohio State. Terrelle Pryor will only get better, and winning a big one in Madison will give him the confidence he needs to turn the Buckeye offense into a much more consistent scoring machine.
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