[NU Sports] Big Ten finale ...

[Mike Nolan]

> * Michigan and Michigan State look like the cream of the crop in the Northw=
> est Division, though UNL will be in the mix ... Iowa and NU are big ???s an=
> d Minny is, well, rebuilding
> * Wisconsin should cruise through the Southeast with OSU and PSU rebuilding=
>  from disaster, Purdue in the middle and Indiana and Ill-noise rebuilding

Most people out here think Nebraska has a LOT of questions to answer, 
especially on their once-vaunted defense.  With Carl Pelini gone to
FIU, there will be a new DC, though Bo Pelini seems to play a big
role in defense.  The offense could be more consistent, the reports here
are that TM, who will be a junior, plans to work on his throwing mechanics 
for next season, he still looks like someone who is shot-putting jello.  

Burkhead will be a senior, but was showing signs of being over-used this season.
(30+ carries is way too much to expect of any running back.)  

Odd that Virginia Tech lost tonight because of special teams issues when
that's been their forte for the last 10+ years.  (Frank Beamer is their
special teams coach.)

I like Fitz, but I'm not convinced he grew much as a coach this year.  
Standing pat (pun not intended) with the assistant coaches is a high 
risk decision for him.  Maybe he's right (like Paterno was a few seasons back), 
but 2012 will be a critical year for him, and 2013-2014 look brutal, especially 
with the obvious resurgence at Michigan.  
--
Mike Nolan