Ranking of conference games
I was thinking it would be cool to have everyone rank the difficulty of our conference games (1 being most difficult). I'll get the ball rolling.
1. Iowa - This is a no-brainer. We will be shocked into conference play after 3 scrumptious cupcake contests. First real test for the secondary, which is pretty well the unit we are most concerned about. It is at home, yes...but Iowa (with the exception of 2007) has given us hassles at Beaver Stadium in recent years. Stanzi will likely have a decent day passing the ball; but hopefully not good enough to make us worry a lot. A big win over the Hawkeyes will totally set the tone for the rest of the season.
2. Michigan State - We have struggled with MSU on the road (even in 2005, when a blocked punt for a TD was our saving grace essentially), and this year should be no different. I don't expect Sparty to have its usual late-seaon meltdown under 3rd year coach Dantonio. Depending on how their QB situation plays out, we may have our hands full. Their defense should be better as well.
3. Ohio State - TP will be improved...question is how much. Hopefully by the time we play the bucknuts, our secondary will be a solid unit, forcing TP to make plays with his feet (good for us at home). O-State will come in with revenge on the mind, but sometimes that can get you in trouble.
4. Illinois - I know there are people on this board who will say I'm nuts for this ranking, but this game really worries me. Juice lit our secondary up last year (at HOME), and they made it a game until the 4th quarter. Benn may be a bit overrated, but he's still a damn fine receiver. And when Juice is on...look out. Simple fact this is a home game for them, senior year for Benn/Juice; duno, not quite ready to write this one off as an automatic win. Plus, our secondary will be largely untested (although may be riding a big confidence boost depending on how the Iowa game pans out).
5. Minnesota - Like Iowa, the gophers (with the exception of 2005) seem to have our number more often than not at Beaver Stadium. Also, lots of players on this year's squad remember our win in 2006...which to Gopher fans was a farse.
6. Northwestern - Think 2005, only with a better Purple People Eater defense. This game scares me, no lie. Hopefully it doesn't come down to the wire. We'll have played 4 conference games leading up to this one...and hopefully we'll be clicking enough to make this game an afterthought.
7. Michigan - NW and Michigan are neck-and-neck to me. We haven't won @ Michigan since when?? Seriously, I don't know. They'll have their spread offense clicking in high gear by the time we come to Ann Arbor.
8. Indiana - Um...it's Indiana.