Big Ten's Least to Most Important Bowl Games, 10 to 1

[SelectionSunday]

Agree, disagree, thoughts?

10. Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech (C-USA) -- bottom-feeding bowl vs. non-Power 5 opponent, nothing much to gain
9. Rutgers vs. North Carolina (ACC) -- see above, but at least this one's vs. a Power 5er
8. Penn State vs. Boston College (ACC) -- some value for Big Ten if a 2-6 team can knock off a decent ACC squad
7. Maryland vs. Stanford (Pac 12) -- Cardinal not what they've been, but would be a win over a brand-name program
6. Iowa vs. Tennessee (SEC) -- could flip with #7, but because it's vs. a SEC opponent gave it the nod
5. Nebraska vs. USC (Pac 12) -- here on down, this is really where the Big Ten needs to stand up & be counted
4. Gophers vs. Mizzou (SEC) -- despite oddsmakers, call it a toss-up; good leagues find way to win fair share of these
3. Wisconsin vs. Auburn (SEC) -- UW win might shut up sycophants who poo-pooed OSU's wipeout of Badgers
2. Michigan State vs. Baylor (Big XII) -- might be first one to 50 wins, and Sparty O is balanced enough to do it
1. Ohio State vs. Alabama (SEC) -- Big Ten champ vs. SEC champ, national semifinal. Enough said

Bonus Points: If OSU wins it all

 

[upnorthkid]

Can't disagree with any of these. Although your analysis with Baylor-MSU is a little iffy to me. If you're hoping for MSU to score 50, I can't see it happening despite Baylor D being not very good.

 

[GopherHomer]

Can't disagree with any of these. Although your analysis with Baylor-MSU is a little iffy to me. If you're hoping for MSU to score 50, I can't see it happening despite Baylor D being not very good.

I agree with your overall point, but I think MSU has a bigger chance at 50 than Baylor does. It's MSU's defense that makes Selection's point "iffy" to me. Overall, though, I like the list. I might switch 7 & 8 only because Rutgers and Maryland don't matter.

 

[SelectionSunday]

Can't disagree with any of these. Although your analysis with Baylor-MSU is a little iffy to me. If you're hoping for MSU to score 50, I can't see it happening despite Baylor D being not very good.

Sparty is #7 in the nation in PPG at 43.1. With their run-pass balance more than capable of putting up 50 vs. Baylor's suspect defense.

The key is whether Sparty plays defense like we're accustomed to seeing (#12 in scoring defense), or if it plays D like it did vs. Ohio State and in the final 20 minutes of the Oregon game (not well).

 

[Iceland12]

Agree, disagree, thoughts?

10. Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech (C-USA) -- bottom-feeding bowl vs. non-Power 5 opponent, nothing much to gain
9. Rutgers vs. North Carolina (ACC) -- see above, but at least this one's vs. a Power 5er
8. Penn State vs. Boston College (ACC) -- some value for Big Ten if a 2-6 team can knock off a decent ACC squad
7. Maryland vs. Stanford (Pac 12) -- Cardinal not what they've been, but would be a win over a brand-name program
6. Iowa vs. Tennessee (SEC) -- could flip with #7, but because it's vs. a SEC opponent gave it the nod
5. Nebraska vs. USC (Pac 12) -- here on down, this is really where the Big Ten needs to stand up & be counted
4. Gophers vs. Mizzou (SEC) -- despite oddsmakers, call it a toss-up; good leagues find way to win fair share of these
3. Wisconsin vs. Auburn (SEC) -- UW win might shut up SEC sycophants who poo-pooed OSU's wipeout of Badgers
2. Michigan State vs. Baylor (Big XII) -- might be first one to 50 wins, and Sparty O is balanced enough to do it
1. Ohio State vs. Alabama (SEC) -- Big Ten champ vs. SEC champ, national semifinal. Enough said

Bonus Points: If OSU wins it all

Yeah, would flip 7 and 6 but otherwise the ranking seems right.

 

[upnorthkid]

Sparty is #7 in the nation in PPG at 43.1. With their run-pass balance more than capable of putting up 50 vs. Baylor's suspect defense.

The key is whether Sparty plays defense like we're accustomed to seeing (#12 in scoring defense), or if it plays D like it did vs. Ohio State and in the final 20 minutes of the Oregon game (not well).

This is my thought. And when they started to get down, they went away from what was working and couldn't keep up. That's why I'm thinking Sparty won't throw up 50 unless they're winning it big

 

[gopher56]

Yeah, would flip 7 and 6 but otherwise the ranking seems right.

I was thinking the same thing.