It was a labor of obligation, and now it is finally finished. Every position in the Big Ten has been rated within the two divisions. So much research has been done that I have forgotten key dates and information about my own life. Schedules and coaches have been judged. And a new addition this year…
If you are going to win the Big Ten, you either better be one of the best teams in the nation or have an incredibly favorable schedule. And if you can do both, do both. When it comes to these annual Big Ten ratings, the schedules are just one piece of the puzzle. In reality, however, a schedule is all four corner pieces of that puzzle. The teams that have the easiest…
In case you hadn’t noticed, it is game week and I’m running just a smidge behind on my Big Ten Championship Game prediction. So, in order to hurry things along, we’ll do both divisions in one preview from here on out. Following the special teams, we’ll go to schedules, and then head coaches, and then hopefully by Wednesday we’ll be able to tally…
The last line of defense can cover up for a lot of weaknesses. Or it can expose them even more. With solid tackling and coverage, half the battle is essentially won. It’s easier than it sounds, however, because the players they are trying to defend are pretty good themselves. Looking at the returning talent, only one First-Team All-Big Ten selection…
The last line of defense can cover up for a lot of weaknesses. Or it can expose them even more. With solid tackling and coverage, half the battle is essentially won. It’s easier than it sounds, however, because the players they are trying to defend are pretty good themselves. Looking at the returning talent, only one First-Team All-Big Ten selection…
Our annual process to determine the division champions in the Big Ten is a nearly flawless exercise of tedium, but it’s our nearly flawless exercise of tedium. Today, we finish the linebackers of the B1G. Some will tell you that linebackers are only as good as the defensive line in front of them, but that is absolutely untrue when you are simply rating them as…
Our annual process to determine the division champions in the Big Ten is a nearly flawless exercise of tedium, but it’s ours. Today, we tackle the linebackers of the B1G. Some will tell you that linebackers are only as good as the defensive line in front of them, but that is absolutely untrue when you are simply rating them as a standalone unit as we are doing here.
The Big Ten West is not as known for its defense as the Big Ten East is, and much of that is because of the respective defensive lines. It takes the programs in the Big Ten West a bit longer to develop their front fours into formidable foes, and even with a veteran line, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to be all that stout. This year, however, the…
After a little bit of a break from our annual Big Ten ratings, we now turn to the defense. With college football being more and more of an offensive game, the defenses that can actually hold their own are always going to have an advantage. Those who cannot, better be able to score more than the average team. Containing…
This annual exercise of rating the Big Ten divisions position by position is done with the intention of figuring out which two teams will be represented in the Big Ten Championship Game. I rank the positions then tally up all of the finishes and I pretty much spoil the entire football season for everyone. It’s a true joy of mine. In these ratings — as in football — the better…
