This was written days ago and not published until days later. Never delete, I write. I had to remind myself I do not want to write about the football team, I mean, the players. Deep down, I don't think it is the right thing to do with your life, your career, your college opportunity, and your health.
This game, Nebraska, is still worth remembering. It is an example of the Big Ten as a few strong programs, with more to be added, and all the rest in a league of their own. It is hard to comprehend why anyone would "play" a sport like major college football if they don't want to be, or never will be, or cannot be, for a myriad of other reasons, a champion. Aside from Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State the only other Big Ten team with chance to be better than average is Maryland.
Most importantly, this game shows the Michigan difference. The game was widely publicized as the biggest game of the season for not-yet rebuilding Nebraska team. It is going to happen again this week in Minneapolis--the place will be rocking, everyone will be optimistic, and it is in prime time with a huge Michigan audience. If the Golden Gophers win they'll be famous. Maybe they're calling it their biggest game of the season too.
---
NFL-video is the site and these 100 minutes are precious. It is nearly impossible to watch them live because of the ads, programming, and studio shows. And you cannot tell until you watch the whole game, with replays and tolerable if not better announcing.
Finally, nearly halfway through the season, the season and the landscape are taking shape. Remember, the thirteenth game is a bonus, as is anything beyond that. There are only 7 games left.
Them guys ain't dumb, as the old Dire Straits goes, I can hardly wait for next year.
Everyone, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and undefeated Maryland plays the same ridiculous schedule against themselves, the East bottom-feeders, and the West. It is not yet apparent if Maryland will survive; last year they were pretty darn competitive against OSU, whom they play next Saturday. Penn State could absolutely be the real deal.
Michigan sits in the catbird seat by virtue of the fact that they have stayed the same or improved over last year. Players at this stage or age get better, and Corum, Edwards, McCarthy, Wilson, Keegan, Zinter,Jenkins, Grant, Graham, Colson, Barrett, Johnson, Moore, Sainristil, and Paige were all starters/stars last year. Several Michigan players from last year--Barnhart, McGregor, Loveland, etc. have virtually reached this stage as have transfers Nugent, Henderson, Stewart, Hausmann, and Wallace. The kicking game has been solid. Now, finally, we are seeing new or old/new names emerge as part of this year's team: Semaj Morgan, JD Barner, Derrick Moore, Quinten Johnson, Fredrick Moore, and QBs Tuttle and Denegal. I have failed to mention quite a few names, of course. These players know the limelight and their role. It is impossible to predict who will stay or go. For the next seven games there is depth behind the many stars.
One thing that needs to change is Nebraska talking or thinking about the Big 8, past days, and a return to glory. The stats don't show it--Nebraska had two or three big plays amounting to nothing. Many predictions suggested Nebraska has settled and improved under Matt Rhule; they have a top running defense; and to bet against Michigan and the spread. The stadium was beautiful and all red. It is possible Rhule will succeed but it may be just as likely he will fail. Michigan destroyed Nebraska.
Add Washington, Oregon, and USC. The Big Ten is going to be an upper division and a lower division.
No comments:
Post a Comment