PASS: Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, Indiana
The Wolverines did not hold the pedal on the metal all four quarters today, but it mattered little in the end, as the commanded the bulk of their win over Michigan State today, a 32-23 win. Michigan is one of my final four clubs without a doubt as of now, and I cannot see them losing to Ohio State as the early lines could project. Nobody other than Alabama is as good as the Wolverines are right now.
Ohio State gets a nod in the PASS direction, but very well could have been failed. Where I pass them is on the fact that they won a tough game despite the fact that JT Barrett was unable to find the end zone today. That is impressive all by itself.
Wisconsin had to go to OT after blowing a 17-7 lead in the 4th, and they took Nebraska down at home 23-17. Many people are loving the Badgers right now, but they still have a long road to travel, and any dreams of them finding a back door into the college football playoff is ludicrous. Still, a Rose Bowl bid would be a strong possibility, but only if Nebraska loses again.
Penn State is showing a huge burst the last two weeks, and avoided a letdown after beating Ohio State last week by crushing Purdue 62-24. The Lions are really finding themselves these last couple of weeks, and could be very strong in 2017 if what we are seeing now is any indication.
Minnesota blew opne theuir game with Illinois today, and played their best full game in a 40-17 win over Illinois. The Gophers are now tied with the Badgers for 2nd in the West after the big win, and still play Wisconsin in the season finale. and plays at Nebraska in 2 weeks. The Gophers could be a dark horse right now.
Indiana got a massive win today in beating Maryland at home, 32-26. Kevin Wilson needed that win in a big way for his own status, but there is work still to be done. The Hoosiers will need to win two more to go bowling, and that is no easy task at this point.
FAIL: Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska, Purdue, Illinois, Maryland
Michigan State continues to show signs of implosion this season. There were some personnel losses after last season, but nothing explains how far the Spartans have dropped this season. After the Michigan loss, they are now just a loss away from being home for the holidays.
Northwestern almost got a pass for their loss to Ohio State, as they covered a 30 point spread today, and kept JT Barrett from scoring, and may have eliminated hi in the Heisman race. Still, this was a costly loss, as a win would have had them tied for first with Nebraska tonight.
Speaking of the Huskers, they fall from the ranks of the unbeaten, and become an afterthought in the National playoff picture. Nebraska has to win out to keep Wisconsin and Minnesota off of their heels now.
Purdue has scored 203 points, but has given up 293 this season, and are now 0-2 since the firing of coach Darrell Hazell. The program needs to make a solid hire this time around, because the damage will take years to dig out from.
Illinois has been a mess under Lovie Smith. At just 2-6, they are one loss from being ineligible for a bowl. The Smith hiring has brought nothing to this program, but it is only year one. I just don't hear any buzz around this program moving ahead to next season, or after.
Maryland should not have lost to Indiana today. They are the better program right now. This is an issue that must be worked on for 2017, which is winning on the road in close games, especially over teams that you are better than. This loss was tough to take.
No comments:
Post a Comment