Overrated/Underrated

[CWCWCW]

As we get closer to the football season, what Big 10 teams do you feel are overrated or underrated?

My pick for overrated is Penn State. I don't think many are picking them to be Big 10 champs, and I am a fan of Hackenburg, but I think they're thin, and they have a new coach. I'd expect another mediocre year, and that's if they stay healthy.

My pick for moving up the ladder is Northwestern. I went to Evanston last year and thorougly enjoyed the butt kicking our Gophers displayed. But, shortly before that game, I saw Northwestern give Ohio State all they could handle. Northwestern has lost some games very painfully in the last few years. I know they no longer have Colter, but if Mark comes back healthy, they have some good talent. Again, no Big 10 championship, but they will make noise. If they don't, Fitzgerald will have some 'splainin' to do.

 

[Deleted_User]

Only two teams qualified for my view that they are overrated: Wisconsin and Iowa.

 

[ruppertflywheel]

Can't figure out the love for Iowa. They lost their whole starting lineup at LB, and that was the crux of their defense.
Wisconsin lost Borland, and they've no wide receivers or a settled QB. Yes, they can run the ball, but I think they're going to give up a lot of point's. It will be interesting to see how Becky handles LSU in the sneak pit.

 

[MNVCGUY]

As we get closer to the football season, what Big 10 teams do you feel are overrated or underrated?

My pick for overrated is Penn State. I don't think many are picking them to be Big 10 champs, and I am a fan of Hackenburg, but I think they're thin, and they have a new coach. I'd expect another mediocre year, and that's if they stay healthy.

My pick for moving up the ladder is Northwestern. I went to Evanston last year and thorougly enjoyed the butt kicking our Gophers displayed. But, shortly before that game, I saw Northwestern give Ohio State all they could handle. Northwestern has lost some games very painfully in the last few years. I know they no longer have Colter, but if Mark comes back healthy, they have some good talent. Again, no Big 10 championship, but they will make noise. If they don't, Fitzgerald will have some 'splainin' to do.

Interesting topic but it is really tough to gauge who is overrated/underrated until you get a chance to see them on the field for a game or two. As usual I think the top and bottom of the heap in the conference are pretty easy to predict but that big clump of teams in the middle could go a number of different ways.

Northwestern is certainly a tough one to get a read on but in regards to your final comment I really don't know that Fitzgerald will ever have some 'splanin' to do out there even if they under perform because I am pretty sure he can coach there till the day he dies as long as he manages to avoid off the field scandals if he wants to.

 

[Ole]

Overrated-Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisky
Hyped about right- Michigan, NW, Purdue, Rutgers, Maryland, OSU
Underrated-Minnesota, MSU, Penn State

Illinois is a trainwreck, Beckman will be fired by midseason, recruiting hype and offense keeps the media seeing the brighter side. Bill Cubit is too good for that staff.

Indiana- Same, but with a better offensive coach in charge, likely they outscore a big boy next year and still go 6-6.

Nebraska-A volatile coach like that needs much better talent to overcome meltdowns than they have. Someone tell me why their D is now heralded and their DE will be the #1 pick when they STILL can't defend a jet sweep?

Iowa/Wisky- Both lose tons of experience in the front 7. Both have solid running games, poor passing attacks that got worse with seniors leaving.
James White was the most under rated player in the B1G last year. Gordon was the most overhyped. It's going to be interesting to see these two teams defend the run.

MSU is the best team in the B1G, not OSU. They proved that on the field last year and can do it again. Why they get half the hype of OSU/Wisky/etc is beyond me.

PSU is thin, they cannot take a bout of injuries, but they have the best QB in the conference and solid players all around him. That coaching staff will be fun to watch, they're what Brewster/Beckman/Kiffin wanted to be:Exciting to recruits, flashy, brash but actually good at coaching too.

We will be MSU circa 2010 this season but with a harder schedule.
We'll be solid, playing good/great D with effective offense. We will rise and win several big games, but also have a few letdowns on the way to a really nice season, but not an epic season. This campaign will set the table/gain recruits for Kill's rise in two years when we compete for the title.
JMO. Thoughts?

 

[go4rx]

Interesting topic but it is really tough to gauge who is overrated/underrated until you get a chance to see them on the field for a game or two. As usual I think the top and bottom of the heap in the conference are pretty easy to predict but that big clump of teams in the middle could go a number of different ways. Northwestern is certainly a tough one to get a read on but in regards to your final comment I really don't know that Fitzgerald will ever have some 'splanin' to do out there even if they under perform because I am pretty sure he can coach there till the day he dies as long as he manages to avoid off the field scandals if he wants to.

I thought that about Coach Fitz previously as well before attending the Northwestern game in Evanston last year. The Wildcat fans we were sitting next to were very vocal in their displeasure with some of the decisions and coach in general prior to and during the game. Obviously a small sample (about 20 or so) but there was much more discontent than I would have thought or expected!

 

[MNVCGUY]

I thought that about Coach Fitz previously as well before attending the Northwestern game in Evanston last year. The Wildcat fans we were sitting next to were very vocal in their displeasure with some of the decisions and coach in general prior to and during the game. Obviously a small sample (about 20 or so) but there was much more discontent than I would have thought or expected!

Not surprised some fans were grumbling but at a place like Northwestern that doesn't put athletics at the top of the heap a guy like Fitzgerald is a dream coach for any administration. Former player, willing to be a positive face for the program and the University, and runs a clean program. At a place like Northwestern it would take a guy like that a lot to get fired.

OLE - I am on board with most of your takes. Thing about Iowa/Wisky though is it seems like they should fall apart yet they keep on chugging along. I do think Gordon is legit but he definitely needs a compliment like White was because I don't think he has the durability to be an every down back. Wisconsin always seems to have another running back waiting in the wings so I am sure there is someone ready to fill in for White this year and be the #2 guy.

 

[maroonedinCA]

Not surprised some fans were grumbling but at a place like Northwestern that doesn't put athletics at the top of the heap a guy like Fitzgerald is a dream coach for any administration. Former player, willing to be a positive face for the program and the University, and runs a clean program. At a place like Northwestern it would take a guy like that a lot to get fired.

OLE - I am on board with most of your takes. Thing about Iowa/Wisky though is it seems like they should fall apart yet they keep on chugging along. I do think Gordon is legit but he definitely needs a compliment like White was because I don't think he has the durability to be an every down back. Wisconsin always seems to have another running back waiting in the wings so I am sure there is someone ready to fill in for White this year and be the #2 guy.

I saw something on 247 or something that said Corey Clement is that new #2 and they were ranked as one of the best RB combos in the nation. Still, without a passing game that can only take you so far.

 

[MNVCGUY]

I saw something on 247 or something that said Corey Clement is that new #2 and they were ranked as one of the best RB combos in the nation. Still, without a passing game that can only take you so far.

As long as Anderson is not an idiot he won't mess with the formula that has worked out there for a while now on the offensive side of the ball. Brewster tried to change things here as opposed to trying to duplicate Mason's pattern on offense at least.

 

[mcgi0024]

I'm going with Michigan. Compared to the preseason hype they perpetually get they've underperformed for years.


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[Spoofin]

Michigan as well. Easy call. Overrated.

 

[husker70]

Most Under rated based on performance, Michigan State. Most over rated The Ohio State. And I thought this was settled last year. Michigan State at Oregon should be epic.

 

[West Fargo Gopher Fan]

Overrated - Iowa

Underrated - Nebraska. I think the Cornhuskers will be much improved from last year. Team is built to stop the run.

 

[SelectionSunday]

O = Penn State

U = Nebraska

 

[die hard gopher]

Wisconsin definitely. On defense they graduate their ENTIRE front 7 and Southward who was a 3rd round pick. They lose their top 3 receivers as well in Abrederis, Pedersen and White as well. They may start 2 true freshman at WR this year. This may be the most one dimensional Badger O in at least 5-6 years or since the year before Tolzein was at QB whenever that was.

 

[die hard gopher]

As long as Anderson is not an idiot he won't mess with the formula that has worked out there for a while now on the offensive side of the ball. Brewster tried to change things here as opposed to trying to duplicate Mason's pattern on offense at least.

He already is changing things up. Much more spread elements to their O then before. The jet sweep, a dual threat QB that Andersen wants etc.

 

[GopherRock]

Remember the year everyone was talking up Illinois, after they'd quit on Ron Zook the previous fall? That's how I feel about Nebraska. One bad game and they'll be in freefall the rest of the way.

 

[GopherHomer]

I hope everyone is correct about Wisconsin being overrated, but after LSU their schedule is just ridiculous. I fear they may not lose their 2nd game until the B10 Championship game. With the schedule they received, the BADgers' season should be considered a huge disappointment if they don't win 9 or 10 games.

 

[Sparlimb]

Remember the year everyone was talking up Illinois, after they'd quit on Ron Zook the previous fall? That's how I feel about Nebraska. One bad game and they'll be in freefall the rest of the way.

Its a toxic situation to play for a coach who doesn't particularly like the school or want to be there. They may do very well this year, but if things go sour it could get really ugly.

 

[wait!what?]

leash is short for QB failure on the Kill & Co. team. as JK says 'yeether got it or ya dont'

 

[maroonedinCA]

He already is changing things up. Much more spread elements to their O then before. The jet sweep, a dual threat QB that Andersen wants etc.

I seem to remember the jet sweep being a big part of the offense in Bielema's last year. Didn't they tear apart Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship game with that?

 

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

I hope everyone is correct about Wisconsin being overrated, but after LSU their schedule is just ridiculous. I fear they may not lose their 2nd game until the B10 Championship game. With the schedule they received, the BADgers' season should be considered a huge disappointment if they don't win 9 or 10 games.

I know they have the easy schedule this year, but we have plenty of common opponents with them and get to see them head to head, so if we lose to Wisconsin and lose games to opponents that Wisconsin beat, I hope we don't have people saying they are in the championship game over us because of the schedule.

Also, regardless of schedule quality, it seems like we annually predict Wisconsin's collapse in both basketball and football, then it never pans out. Here's hoping its this year, but as much as I hate them, they certainly have earned enough with good seasons that they shouldn't be considered a one hit wonder or a flash in the pan.

 

[Ole]

I know they have the easy schedule this year, but we have plenty of common opponents with them and get to see them head to head, so if we lose to Wisconsin and lose games to opponents that Wisconsin beat, I hope we don't have people saying they are in the championship game over us because of the schedule.

Also, regardless of schedule quality, it seems like we annually predict Wisconsin's collapse in both basketball and football, then it never pans out. Here's hoping its this year, but as much as I hate them, they certainly have earned enough with good seasons that they shouldn't be considered a one hit wonder or a flash in the pan.

They have the best football leadership in the B1G. Barry keeps his baby afloat with keen political maneuvers, scheduling, fundraising, and coaching hires.
That said, I see them having trouble against Iowa, Nebraska, and us to finish the year.
Iowa also has a super easy schedule, but both these teams have flaws in that they will need to find proven B1G defenders for their front 7's to defend a big boy running game. Ask Devondre Campbell about that transition, even for an athlete of his caliber.

 

[mplsbadger]

I think it depends on whether you mean how good they really are vs. how they'll finish (ignore schedule strength, tough ones at home vs. away, etc.).

If it's based on conference outcomes, I'd say Michigan will under-perform and Penn State will outperform.

If it's based on how good you actually are vs. pre-season national rankings, etc. then I think the Badgers might be most over-rated. They are replacing almost the entire front seven on defense. Gophers might be most underrated (i.e. might have a middling record but whip someone in a bowl game because they will be able to push people around in the run game and play decent defense).

 

[GopherHomer]

I know they have the easy schedule this year, but we have plenty of common opponents with them and get to see them head to head, so if we lose to Wisconsin and lose games to opponents that Wisconsin beat, I hope we don't have people saying they are in the championship game over us because of the schedule.

Also, regardless of schedule quality, it seems like we annually predict Wisconsin's collapse in both basketball and football, then it never pans out. Here's hoping its this year, but as much as I hate them, they certainly have earned enough with good seasons that they shouldn't be considered a one hit wonder or a flash in the pan.

I don't think any rational Gopher fan has any expectation of winding up in the Championship game THIS year. You are correct about us and Wisconsin having many common opponents but I just don't think we are in their league yet. Hopefully they are inching down and we are rising up so we can make this a competitive rivalry again.

 

[GoUgophers]

Iowa/Wisky- Both have solid running games, poor passing attacks that got worse with seniors leaving.
It's going to be interesting to see these two teams defend the run.

The former does not apply to Iowa at all. They have every WR contributor back as well as the QB. They will have their best passing attack in years. On D they will have one of the best DLs in the league, if not THE best. Also, the schedule is atrociously easy. Wisc has to go there, so I say that they have the easiest schedule in the league.

And LOL at anyone thinking Nebraska will have a good D this year. They are young all over the field (both sides of the ball) and have been awful on D for years now. Pelini has shown himself to be a very poor defensive HC.

Penn St is the most overrated team because they have almost nothing on their roster outside of their QB. And I can't believe someone called MSU underrated. They are getting an INSANE amount of media hype.

 

[Unregistered User]

The former does not apply to Iowa at all. They have every WR contributor back as well as the QB. They will have their best passing attack in years. On D they will have one of the best DLs in the league, if not THE best. Also, the schedule is atrociously easy. Wisc has to go there, so I say that they have the easiest schedule in the league.

And LOL at anyone thinking Nebraska will have a good D this year. They are young all over the field (both sides of the ball) and have been awful on D for years now. Pelini has shown himself to be a very poor defensive HC.

Penn St is the most overrated team because they have almost nothing on their roster outside of their QB. And I can't believe someone called MSU underrated. They are getting an INSANE amount of media hype.

Did someone hurt your feelings?

Put a band-aid on and scoot on back to your hogeye board where you belong.

K? bye-bye.

 

[jaymil]

The former does not apply to Iowa at all. They have every WR contributor back as well as the QB. They will have their best passing attack in years. On D they will have one of the best DLs in the league, if not THE best. Also, the schedule is atrociously easy. Wisc has to go there, so I say that they have the easiest schedule in the league.

And LOL at anyone thinking Nebraska will have a good D this year. They are young all over the field (both sides of the ball) and have been awful on D for years now. Pelini has shown himself to be a very poor defensive HC.

Penn St is the most overrated team because they have almost nothing on their roster outside of their QB. And I can't believe someone called MSU underrated. They are getting an INSANE amount of media hype.

Nebraska's defensive rankings since Pelini started (national/conference):

2008: 55th/2nd (big 12)
2009: 7th/2nd (big 12)
2010: 11th/2nd (big 12)
2011: 37th/7th
2012: 35th/7th
2013: 39th/4th

I'd hardly call that awful. He hasn't had a great defense since 2010 but they've still been at least average. I do think they'll be improved on D this year. Gregory is a stud and they're pretty experienced for being so young.

 

[50PoundHead]

He already is changing things up. Much more spread elements to their O then before. The jet sweep, a dual threat QB that Andersen wants etc.

I noticed that as well. I didn't think Andersen coached the Penn State game that well as it appeared he panicked late and instead of grinding down Penn State, he had Stave throwing the ball around like there was no tomorrow.

I don't think he's going to bring wholesale change to the system overnight, but he does appear to be recruiting dual-option QBs. That said, Alvarez was able to incorporate Bollinger's strengths into the Badger power offense with little problem, so it's not like a dual-option QB can't fit a traditional power running game.

Interesting work in progress in Madison. How their defense performs will determine how good they end up being. They'll score a ton of points.