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http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/92007/take-two-b1gs-most-improved-bowl-team
Take Two: B1G's most improved bowl team
December, 20, 2013
Dec 202:30PM ETBy Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett | ESPN.com Recommend0Tweet1Comments0EmailPrintBig Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.
Coaches always harp on the importance of the 15 bowl practices, not just for the development of their young players but the entire team. Although the Big Ten went 2-5 in bowls last season, teams such as Minnesota and Michigan made strides even in losing efforts.
Today's Take Two topic is: Which of the Big Ten's seven bowl teams -- Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Minnesota -- will make the most improvement before kickoff?
Take 1: Adam Rittenberg
To me, this comes down to teams with weaknesses that can be fixed in several weeks of practices and those who are what they are with certain elements. Ohio State's pass defense, for example, is what it is and likely will be exposed by Clemson's ridiculously good wide receivers. I feel the same way about Wisconsin's passing game, although Jared Abbrederis could have a big performance in his final collegiate game. Michigan's offensive line looked better against Ohio State, partially because of the scheme, and should progress with some added practice time. My concern there, however, is the health of quarterback Devin Gardner. So I'm hesitant to go with the Wolverines.
My pick here is Minnesota, mainly because we saw the way the Gophers improve on offense between the end of the regular season and last year's Texas Bowl. The offensive line stepped up as Minnesota piled up 222 rush yards and 31 points. The group carried that over into this season, and Minnesota ranks fifth in the Big Ten in rushing at 200.9 yards per game. Minnesota needs to see the same type of progress from its passing game before returning to the Texas Bowl to face Syracuse on Dec. 27. I think it can happen. Quarterback Philip Nelson has a chance to get healthy and improve his chemistry with promising young wide receivers Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones. It'll be tough without top wideout Derrick Engel, but I expect a strong offensive showing from Minnesota in Houston and a double-digit win.
Take Two: B1G's most improved bowl team
December, 20, 2013
Dec 202:30PM ETBy Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett | ESPN.com Recommend0Tweet1Comments0EmailPrintBig Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.
Coaches always harp on the importance of the 15 bowl practices, not just for the development of their young players but the entire team. Although the Big Ten went 2-5 in bowls last season, teams such as Minnesota and Michigan made strides even in losing efforts.
Today's Take Two topic is: Which of the Big Ten's seven bowl teams -- Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Minnesota -- will make the most improvement before kickoff?
Take 1: Adam Rittenberg
To me, this comes down to teams with weaknesses that can be fixed in several weeks of practices and those who are what they are with certain elements. Ohio State's pass defense, for example, is what it is and likely will be exposed by Clemson's ridiculously good wide receivers. I feel the same way about Wisconsin's passing game, although Jared Abbrederis could have a big performance in his final collegiate game. Michigan's offensive line looked better against Ohio State, partially because of the scheme, and should progress with some added practice time. My concern there, however, is the health of quarterback Devin Gardner. So I'm hesitant to go with the Wolverines.
My pick here is Minnesota, mainly because we saw the way the Gophers improve on offense between the end of the regular season and last year's Texas Bowl. The offensive line stepped up as Minnesota piled up 222 rush yards and 31 points. The group carried that over into this season, and Minnesota ranks fifth in the Big Ten in rushing at 200.9 yards per game. Minnesota needs to see the same type of progress from its passing game before returning to the Texas Bowl to face Syracuse on Dec. 27. I think it can happen. Quarterback Philip Nelson has a chance to get healthy and improve his chemistry with promising young wide receivers Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones. It'll be tough without top wideout Derrick Engel, but I expect a strong offensive showing from Minnesota in Houston and a double-digit win.
