[NU Sports] Big Ten tonight ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

Penn State looked pretty good with their new walk-on QB and a rejuvenated team and crowd ... we meet them with #400 on the line for JoePa, but at least we don't have to play there at night. For my money, there's just nothing better in sports than a PSU white-out at night. It's not just all the crowd in red, white, black/gold ... it's that EVERYONE is in white, they all have those pom poms and they all stand and scream all game, shaking them in an avalanche of unison and stomping/clapping to the band better than any fans besides Wisconsin's.

We need a healthy Persa and Ebert and need to play our best next week.

As for the league ...

It's looking more and more like we've got a three-way at the top and while Wisconsin has the inside track to Pasadena now, I wouldn't be surprised to see OSU leap them, as the Bucks have the tougher schedule left and could get more computer points.

Bowl projections?

- B(C)S -
TITLE: Oregon vs. Boise State - Though I got a feeling Bama leaps ahead
ROSE: Wisconsin vs. Utah - Red roses ... better than red rum, right? :)
SUGAR: Alabama vs. Ohio State - Real title game?
ORANGE: Auburn vs. ACC survivor (VaTech?) - Just outscore 'em (new SEC motto)
FIESTA: Nebraska vs. Pitt - Someone has to take the Big Least team, but at least the Husker fans will fill seats in Arizona

It's pretty clear that the Big Ten and SEC will again get two bids (and could each easily get three if the rules didn't prevent it) ... it's also clear that the Big East and ACC should be on their knees and thankful that they get any at all. Leaving the Pac 10, Big XII and Utah/TCU winner fighting it out for the extra bid. Stanford and Oregon State just aren't big enough draws and Arizona's only of interest if the Rose can select them ... Oklahoma could be a threat, but will Pasadena take them over an unbeaten Utah who's about to join the Pac 10?

- BIG TEN -
CITRUS: Michigan State vs. Florida - Was a great game back in 2000
OUTBACK: Iowa vs. Mississippi State - Hawkeyes should be heavy favorites
GATOR: Penn State vs. Arkansas - Michigan vs. Mallet would be better story
INSIGHT: Northwestern vs. Kansas State - Still hoping to see a Purple Paraside in Phoenix, but we gotta thump Illinois to leap them
TEXAS: Illinois vs. Oklahoma State - Intriguing orange matchup
DALLAS: Michigan vs. Texas - Big name matchup for New Year's Day??? It would take either some big deals or both teams finishing 6-6 so other teams had to be selected ahead of them.

I don't think Purdue's gonna make it. They're 4-4 now and should beat IU, but must beat Michigan to finish with six wins. That Toledo loss will be killer. Indiana and Minny are also out, which opens the Pizza Bowl in Detroit for someone else.

Should be a fun month of football ahead - it feels good to be at six wins and knowing that it's gonna be almost impossible to be left out with six like last time ... but now we have to want more. Last year, November was our best month. Hopefully we can duplicate that this year with Trumpy and Adonis coming on, Persa and Ebert healthy and on fire and the D getting a pass rush and turnovers ... let's start by denying JoePa #400!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!! GEAUX SAINTS!!!
Super Bowl XLIV Champions!
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