[NU Sports] Early Games

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

> Well, as the clocks run down in Ann Arbor and Iowa City,
> the following trends are surfacing:
> 
> 1) Both the Wolves and Golden Gophers fall farther behind
> NU, with Michigan about to drop out of bowl eligibility and
> the men from Up North about to finish a lame 6-6, which
> increases our chances for a decent bowl bid, even if we lose

Exactly -- I don't see how anyone wants the Gophers ahead of us after today. U-G-L-Y. Which leads to a couple of my observations ...

1) There is a HUGE difference between a classic slugfest like Iowa/OSU last week and a comedy of errors like the two games today. John Saunders and the Mimbo may just look at the scores, but it's two worlds of a game.

2) Why can't we schedule Minnesota in NOVEMBER? We always seem to get the Gophers in September, before they've gone into their holes for hibernation.

> 2) I just don't see how Rich Rod survives this debacle of a
> season.  He probably will, but they are just an awful

Well, for one thing, Michigan is not Notre Dame and will not make a rash decision like the Irish did to fire Willingham. Two years is just too soon, even for someone whose arrogant attitude has ruffled as many alumni as RichRod. Charlie's out after Stanford hangs 50 on ND. RichRod lives to fight another day ... barely.

> 3) Tate Forcier has regressed--badly.  It's not just

Sadly, I must agree. I loved watching him vs. ND, but it was painful today.

> 4) Michigan will not beat Buckeyes until Pryor graduates or
> leaves, whichever comes first.

Well, Pryor would be a fool to leave early. The NFL (not to mention OSU coaches) are still figuring out how to best utilize quarterbacks like him.

> 5) Bucks still not impressive on Offense, but their "D"
> should give them a real shot in Pasadena.

I think they'll do well. Should be a heck of a game if it's Oregon.

> 6) Iowa keeps alive chances for BCS Bowl, but hardly an
> overwhelming win over Minny.

Thankfully for them, the RVs travel well and there are few other options for the B(C)S teams. But I agree that it's an ugly way to back into a B(C)S bowl.

> Now, for the Main Course.
> Go 'Cats!  Beat Badgers!

GOOOOOOOOOO CATS!!!
-SjT