I am not sure what led me to make score predictions but I think that I will refrain in future weeks ...
While I was correct about Stanzi's protection of the football and the bullet-proof nature of the IOWA defense my point prognostication was a little off the mark. On the plus side, my Hawkeyes put up more points than advertised. Back-extraordinaire Shonn Green was not satisfied with merely continuing his 100+ yard rushing streak and instead ramped up his output to pass the century mark TWICE ... on his way to four touchdowns! Another aspect of the game that I was unable to accurately predict was the cast of unlikely contributors: Tight-end Allen Reisner provided a big target for Stanzi and his sure hands secured a highlight reel TD reception. On the defensive side of the ball, LB Pat Angerer really stepped up his game. The Bettendorf, IA native recorded 16 tackles and two interceptions. It was a wonderful win for the Hawkeyes ... one that keeps our post-season hopes alive and brought the Heartland Trophy back to Iowa City. As for the Badgers, it may not be too early to start looking forward to next year.
The Wolverines started strong, establishing a 10 point lead. Clouds swiftly gathered above Happy Valley as the perfect season appeared to be in jeopardy. Then, just as quickly, the drama was over and the status quo restored. It seems that Paterno's squad just needed a brief sideline review of the football food chain, which as we all know, dictates that Nittany Lions feed on rodents. The part of the game I enjoyed the most ... pronouncing the name of the first year Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, rolling my Rs like some pretentious FoodTV host.
I stand by my Purdue - Northwestern prediction [or lack thereof]. I prefer to think that I was not way off but rather that Tiller, Painter and the rest laid an egg. I am not sure what else to add about this one. For starters, I did not see the game ... and there is not much I can say to the Purdue faithful to lessen the sting of losing to a team dressed in purple.
It only took forty-five seconds for Illinois to reach the end zone and for me to realize that I had drastically underestimated their scoring potential. Indiana's Marcus Thigpen attempted to rebound from last week's constrictions of the IOWA defense [recording 69 yards on 17 carries] but Kellen Lewis was not as resilient. The starting Hoosier QB and his injured right foot were forced to watch from the sidelines as the orange Juice Williams put on a passing clinic [16 for 22, 271 yards and 2 TDs].
IOWA 38 / Wisconsin 16
While I was correct about Stanzi's protection of the football and the bullet-proof nature of the IOWA defense my point prognostication was a little off the mark. On the plus side, my Hawkeyes put up more points than advertised. Back-extraordinaire Shonn Green was not satisfied with merely continuing his 100+ yard rushing streak and instead ramped up his output to pass the century mark TWICE ... on his way to four touchdowns! Another aspect of the game that I was unable to accurately predict was the cast of unlikely contributors: Tight-end Allen Reisner provided a big target for Stanzi and his sure hands secured a highlight reel TD reception. On the defensive side of the ball, LB Pat Angerer really stepped up his game. The Bettendorf, IA native recorded 16 tackles and two interceptions. It was a wonderful win for the Hawkeyes ... one that keeps our post-season hopes alive and brought the Heartland Trophy back to Iowa City. As for the Badgers, it may not be too early to start looking forward to next year.
Penn State 46 / Michigan 17
The Wolverines started strong, establishing a 10 point lead. Clouds swiftly gathered above Happy Valley as the perfect season appeared to be in jeopardy. Then, just as quickly, the drama was over and the status quo restored. It seems that Paterno's squad just needed a brief sideline review of the football food chain, which as we all know, dictates that Nittany Lions feed on rodents. The part of the game I enjoyed the most ... pronouncing the name of the first year Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, rolling my Rs like some pretentious FoodTV host.
Northwestern 48 / Purdue 26
I stand by my Purdue - Northwestern prediction [or lack thereof]. I prefer to think that I was not way off but rather that Tiller, Painter and the rest laid an egg. I am not sure what else to add about this one. For starters, I did not see the game ... and there is not much I can say to the Purdue faithful to lessen the sting of losing to a team dressed in purple.
Illinois 55 / Indiana 13
It only took forty-five seconds for Illinois to reach the end zone and for me to realize that I had drastically underestimated their scoring potential. Indiana's Marcus Thigpen attempted to rebound from last week's constrictions of the IOWA defense [recording 69 yards on 17 carries] but Kellen Lewis was not as resilient. The starting Hoosier QB and his injured right foot were forced to watch from the sidelines as the orange Juice Williams put on a passing clinic [16 for 22, 271 yards and 2 TDs].
I just wanted to point out that Wisconsin has officially been eliminated from contention [sorry Julie and Josh]. Even if PSU loses out, they will still win the crown given their head-to-head smackdown of the badgers. A PSU win or a Indiana loss will eliminate the Hoosiers this weekend, with the same scenario in play for the Boilermakers. It's pretty much down to the Hawks and the Nittany Lions.
Hey Blake,
Here's some math that is easy for you: 376 > 367.
If the numbers are giving you a headache, let me phrase it
this way: Kevin Kelly > Nate Kaeding.
Yep, that's right. Penn State's placekicker Kevin Kelly now holds the BigTen scoring record that was previously held by Iowa's Nate Kaeding. He smashed the record as the Lions smashed the Wolverines in the second half of their game this past weekend.
-m
Greater than Nate?! I know Nate Kaeding Sir ... and Kevin Kelly is no Nate Kaeding. OK ... I don't really know Nate but I think you get my point. Let's see how [if] Kevin continues his scoring on Sundays. I am not holding out much hope for him. His name does not even rhyme with GREAT!
Woo Hoo!!!! Go IU. The Mom in this household walked to a lighter step this weekend. Maybe the Bucket game will be exciting this year after all!!!!! HOpe springs eternal.