[NU Sports] Around the league today ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

Overall, a decent day for the Big Ten but there wasn't
much to prove yet. Next Saturday will be different.
Still a couple games left, but what we know now ...

* A kinder, gentler Ohio State? Coop would have had 70
on the board by halftime the way that offense was
steamrolling in the first half. Though Tressel may be
just saving everything for next week. From the looks
of Texas, he'll need it.

* Iowa looked impressive. Now let's see if Ferentz can
avoid his annual Lloyd Carr-ish September stumble.

* Speaking of Lloyd, Michigan was far from impressive
in getting by Vandy. Sloppy O, same-old same-old in
the play calling department and a waste of all that
talent. I thought the Maize and Blue would come out
focused this year, but they sure looked sloppy today.

* Penn State was sloppy as well, but at least they had
an excuse with the rain. Their offense -- especially
Morelli and the wideouts -- look quick and capable of
causing headaches for Notre Dame next week ... but
their defense needs to improve a lot to pull off the
upset.

* Wisconsin's still in the first half, but it looks
like the Badgers can still run the ball and still have
trouble stopping others. But it's game one after
Barry, so we'll see what happens the next half or so
in Cleveland.

* Michigan State, like their in-state rivals, looked
sloppy and unfocused. That's not exactly new for
Sparty, except it's September. Maybe they're going to
do a reverse this year and be maddeningly inconsistent
early and superb late?

* Purdue appears to have found their offense. However,
they let Indiana State score 35. Do Larry Bird free
throws count in Basketball on Grass 2006?

* As for the rest, nice wins for NU and Minny and the
jury's still out on IU and U of I. But both the
Hoosiers and Illini need all the wins they can find in
September.

One more note -- looks like our former O.C. Dunbar is
having a less than stellar debut in Rocky Top. Ouch!

So nice to have football back. Can't wait to get to
Evanston for the home opener next week!

Go Yellow Jackets!
Go Big Ten!
GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!

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