BleedGopher
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per ESPN:
The landscape:
Wisconsin has played in three Rose Bowls since the 2010 season and possesses an identity strong enough on both sides of the ball to prove its showing last year in Indianapolis was an aberration.
Nebraska is emboldened by a coaching change, much like Michigan (though without all the flash), and the Huskers sit in a decent position with a foundation of moderate success in place from the previous regime.
Minnesota is the program that no one wants to acknowledge as a threat. But Jerry Kill, who began gathering his current assistants when Urban Meyer coached receivers at Colorado State two decades ago, can't be ignored.
Iowa may have finally arrived at a crossroads. A different feeling exists in Iowa City than after previous bouts with mediocrity. Is that urgency in the air? It can only progress the situation -- either to the next level under Kirk Ferentz or toward a change in leadership.
The bottom of the division is murky and full of questions, much like the East.
Look, the West is falling behind, primarily because of the recent runs in Columbus and East Lansing, but it's not as dramatic -- yet -- as some paint the picture.
For the division to keep pace, its programs must distinguish themselves in a way like Minnesota has over the past two seasons. The Gophers are a great example. They've capitalized on a style of play to nearly maximize efficiency.
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/118507/big-ten-west-fight-is-far-from-lost
Go Gophers!!
The landscape:
Wisconsin has played in three Rose Bowls since the 2010 season and possesses an identity strong enough on both sides of the ball to prove its showing last year in Indianapolis was an aberration.
Nebraska is emboldened by a coaching change, much like Michigan (though without all the flash), and the Huskers sit in a decent position with a foundation of moderate success in place from the previous regime.
Minnesota is the program that no one wants to acknowledge as a threat. But Jerry Kill, who began gathering his current assistants when Urban Meyer coached receivers at Colorado State two decades ago, can't be ignored.
Iowa may have finally arrived at a crossroads. A different feeling exists in Iowa City than after previous bouts with mediocrity. Is that urgency in the air? It can only progress the situation -- either to the next level under Kirk Ferentz or toward a change in leadership.
The bottom of the division is murky and full of questions, much like the East.
Look, the West is falling behind, primarily because of the recent runs in Columbus and East Lansing, but it's not as dramatic -- yet -- as some paint the picture.
For the division to keep pace, its programs must distinguish themselves in a way like Minnesota has over the past two seasons. The Gophers are a great example. They've capitalized on a style of play to nearly maximize efficiency.
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/118507/big-ten-west-fight-is-far-from-lost
Go Gophers!!
