westcoastgopher11
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2010
- Messages
- 2,448
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 36
Enough sobbing about our last win! Now that we are just getting the taste of beaver washed out of our mouths, let's take a look around and see how the rest of the West faired opening weekend.
Illinois Next vs UNC
The Illini looked uncharacteristically composed while steamrolling Murray State 52-3 in Lovie Smith's college debut. Lunt was efficient enough through the air, and the defense held the Racers without a touchdown. Yea, its an FCS school, but give them some credit, Illinois only recently left Purdue alone with the title of "sorriest program in the west", so take the wins where they come.
Iowa Next vs Iowa State
Nothing like week one B1G MACtion, and Iowa dusted Miami (OH) 45-21 in their Cy-Hawk tuneup. Shortly after, the athletic department executed the most Iowa contract extension ever, locking down Ferentz well into his third decade of AARP membership and through the 2026 season. Iowa looked strong in the opener, but they could just as easily crap the bed against the Cyclones, it is still Ferentz after all.
Northwestern Next vs Illinois State
Nerds lost to Western Michigan 21-22 week 1, (and it wasn't even a recruiting battle!) so Fitz and Co. could be in for a long season. I'm sure we could find a way to lose a game against a Northwestern team that finishes 3-9, but by the time they play us this year their bowl dreams might be crushed. No excuses for losing to these guys if week one is at all indicative of future play.
Purdue Next vs Cincy
Feel bad for Hazel, Purdue has been hot garbage for a minute. Granted, they probably care less about the sport than even Northwestern so you can't be surprised by the results. Oh yea, the game result, they beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and will probably lose to the Bearcats next week. Another team we should beat comfortably if we have any shot at competing for the division.
Nebraska Next vs Wyoming
Nebraska looked the part of a division favorite, and Riley's boys blew out Fresno State 43-10. Huskers have another home game versus the Cowboys next week, before their nationally televised date with Nike U. Mentally prepare yourselves for the inevitable "Nebraska is back" chatter that will blossom from Lincoln if they beat the Ducks, because the IndiNois quadrangle of suck will be all that stands between Big Red and a 7-0 start before they roll into Madison. Huskers look good for the division, but their ability to handle Oregon's speed will show if they are to be respected on a national level.
Wisconsin Next vs Akron
Badgers had the surprise win of the weekend, knocking off a (very obviously overrated) LSU team at Lambeau field. Made the conference "look good" and I'm sure was extra satisfying as they beat their old DC Aranda. Les Miles probably gets fired after this season in Baton Rouge, so they should bask in the warm media afterglow now. Badgers showed they are a competitor in the West again for the division's ticket to Indy. Stop the streak.
We could lose to all three of Iowa/Wis/Neb and realistically still finish over .500 in the conference (let's not do that though). I do feel those three are the top tier of the west until proven otherwise, with us sliding in a tier underneath.
Illinois Next vs UNC
The Illini looked uncharacteristically composed while steamrolling Murray State 52-3 in Lovie Smith's college debut. Lunt was efficient enough through the air, and the defense held the Racers without a touchdown. Yea, its an FCS school, but give them some credit, Illinois only recently left Purdue alone with the title of "sorriest program in the west", so take the wins where they come.
Iowa Next vs Iowa State
Nothing like week one B1G MACtion, and Iowa dusted Miami (OH) 45-21 in their Cy-Hawk tuneup. Shortly after, the athletic department executed the most Iowa contract extension ever, locking down Ferentz well into his third decade of AARP membership and through the 2026 season. Iowa looked strong in the opener, but they could just as easily crap the bed against the Cyclones, it is still Ferentz after all.
Northwestern Next vs Illinois State
Nerds lost to Western Michigan 21-22 week 1, (and it wasn't even a recruiting battle!) so Fitz and Co. could be in for a long season. I'm sure we could find a way to lose a game against a Northwestern team that finishes 3-9, but by the time they play us this year their bowl dreams might be crushed. No excuses for losing to these guys if week one is at all indicative of future play.
Purdue Next vs Cincy
Feel bad for Hazel, Purdue has been hot garbage for a minute. Granted, they probably care less about the sport than even Northwestern so you can't be surprised by the results. Oh yea, the game result, they beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and will probably lose to the Bearcats next week. Another team we should beat comfortably if we have any shot at competing for the division.
Nebraska Next vs Wyoming
Nebraska looked the part of a division favorite, and Riley's boys blew out Fresno State 43-10. Huskers have another home game versus the Cowboys next week, before their nationally televised date with Nike U. Mentally prepare yourselves for the inevitable "Nebraska is back" chatter that will blossom from Lincoln if they beat the Ducks, because the IndiNois quadrangle of suck will be all that stands between Big Red and a 7-0 start before they roll into Madison. Huskers look good for the division, but their ability to handle Oregon's speed will show if they are to be respected on a national level.
Wisconsin Next vs Akron
Badgers had the surprise win of the weekend, knocking off a (very obviously overrated) LSU team at Lambeau field. Made the conference "look good" and I'm sure was extra satisfying as they beat their old DC Aranda. Les Miles probably gets fired after this season in Baton Rouge, so they should bask in the warm media afterglow now. Badgers showed they are a competitor in the West again for the division's ticket to Indy. Stop the streak.
We could lose to all three of Iowa/Wis/Neb and realistically still finish over .500 in the conference (let's not do that though). I do feel those three are the top tier of the west until proven otherwise, with us sliding in a tier underneath.