Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. It was a different route, but Ohio State did travel to (at least a share) its fifth consecutive Big Ten title. The rest of the conference is relatively calm. Iowa was a near unanimous pick at number two, Wisconsin and Penn State are locked in at the 3 and 4 spots, Northwestern, Minnesota, and Michigan State hold down the 5-7 posts. There is some confusion as to what do do with the Illini, Boilers, and Hoosiers. Their rankings were the least stable of the teams. Again, Michigan brings up the rear. I can't even begin to describe how weird this is. Assuming that they lose to The Ohio State University, we'll have to take a long look at how far and hard Michigan has fallen.
It's Rivalry Week throughout the Midwest. Bundle up and bring your Hate.
1.
121 (11)
Much like Run DMC, this Ohio State squad has been proven to be tougher than leather.
2.
107
When Hawkeye fans look back on this squad, they'll always wonder, "What if..."
3.
99
I'd love for anyone to explain to me how Penn State is better than Wisconsin by using objective criteria.
4.
91
I'd love for anyone to explain to me how Wisconsin is better than Penn State by using objective criteria.
5.
73
Could Northwestern pull an upset over Wisconsin this weekend? Although not one of the Big Ten's protected rivalries, the game does tear HMLee apart.
6.
67
Michigan State could beat Penn State. If the right Spartan team shows up. So far, it's only appeared about three times, though.
7.
52
So now that the Gophers have worked all of the "new stadium smell" out of TCF Bank Stadium, will fans still want to come next year? Wins over Iowa and in a bowl game could build some excitement.
8.
45
Yes, this season slipped away. But of the coaches at the bottom five schools, who do you have the most trust in? I think it's Hope.
9.
30
Illinois has had good teams and bad teams. And this, most assuredly, was one of them.
10.
28
Considering the way that they've gifted away games, it seems appropriate.
11.
13
It's a blanket. Although the way teams have walked all over it, I'd understand if you thought it was a rug.
The Rivalry, Esq has reached out to the SBNation Big Ten bloggers to create this poll. Its purpose: find a consensus as to the power of the Big Ten teams. We invited each SBNation Big Ten blog to participate. We will vote each week. Invitations remain extended to the writers of Black Shoe Diaries and the Crimson Quarry to participate.
Who wonder how ridiculous Iowa would be this year if Shonn had stuck around for another year? Seriously, think about it: same defense as this year, add in a consistent running game to the deep threat, and suddenly you have an offense with the potential to be both explosive AND pounding. With Shonn, I see most of the near-wins go away (to bigger wins), a healthy Stanzi against NW, and an upset in Columbus. I also see Iowa making a major play for the NC game. Damnit…
if they play 10 times on neutral field they probably split them and if both teams are fully healthy, Iowa probably take 6 of them. But, I understand the argument.
"I think it's safe to say our concerns are many." -- Kirk Ferentz