Wisconsin vs. Indiana -- one for the record books!

Folks, I hope you had the VCR rolling on Saturday afternoon, because the Big Ten Network captured another classic! (Speaking of, thank the good Lord for the BTN! I can scarcely remember the bad old days when there was no Big Ten Network and these games simply wouldn't be televised!)

I am talking of course about Wisconsin vs. Indiana, and let me tell you this 33-3 thriller played out just how you'd imagine it! Indiana is not known for its defense, and its offensive firepower was on display. Future first-day draft pick Kellen Lewis piled up 113 yards of passing offense on 33 attempts en route to throwing only two interceptions. But it was Wisconsin QB Tyler Donovan who stole the show, lighting up the scoreboard with 144 yards and a solitary interception. But of course the ground game was what made the difference; the Badgers' P.J. Hill, the very model of what a tough physical Wisconsin tailback strives to be, piled up 57 yards before leaving the game with a bruise.

As a reward for their victory, Wisconsin takes on #1 Ohio State in Columbus at noon on -- you guessed it -- the Big Ten Network! Front and center for the third straight week!

Smack Talk 101

Part of what yours truly loves about rivalries is the good natured trash talk between the respective fanbases. And with the Spartans and Wolverines meeting on the banks of the Red Cedar this weekend, the smack is flowing.

In addition to being Our Source for Big Ten Sports, Andy Gamm runs the wildly popular Bitterrivals Blog with Tom Crawford. This is the forum where these two fanatics can let their hair down a little and dabble in some roleplay. Andy plays the "The Professor" -- a pompous, meter-maid type who puts the "cornblues" (as he cleverly calls them) in their place with his pointed lectures. Tom goes by "C-Dad," the feisty "Walmart Wolverine" who gets under the skin of Spartans with his masterful jabs at their agricultural roots.

Check out some of the classic back-and-forth these two engaged in this past week. First, "C-Dad":

If Lloyd gets ahead, he's going to run Mike Hart 65 times ... and the Green
Bellies will wiggle their way back in it.

And more:

Not since 1991 have I watched a relaxing MSU-Michigan Game in that hell hole venue!

To which Andy replied:

Whaddya calling a hell hole venue?! At least you can get two cheeks down at MSU Cdad!

Oh, snap!

And more gems from Andy:

The boys in the highlighter yellow pants aren't exactly your classic Michigan team

Ouch! And one more zinger for the road:

Too many things are in the Spartans favor to not pull off an upset win. The date
of the game? November 3. The last time State won the game with the skunk-bears? November 3.

Skunk-bears? Classic. Andy can really bring the smack.

I don't want this week to end. If Wilbon and Kornheiser ever hang it up, how about "C-Dad" and "The Professor" to take their spot on PTI?

A Star is Born

Well I woke up this morning, checked My Source for Big Ten Sports, and then stumbled across this exciting blurb from realgm.com:

The Indiana Pacers announced Monday they have signed forward Courtney Sims
to a contract.

Now I know Larry Bird is known for making some clever free agent signings, but the Hick from French Lick may have outdone himself here. Mr. Sims' reputation as a hard-nosed competitor, along with his vast experience of playing at Madison Square Garden, makes him NBA-ready right from Day One. The Pacers got a steal here; this kid will no doubt follow the likes of Eddie Griffin and Bernard Robinson Jr. in a long line of Tommy Amaker products that have excelled in the NBA.

Iowa's "Comeback Kids"

They rushed the field at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, and with good reason. The Iowa Hawkeyes completed a stunning comeback over 1990 co-Big Ten champ Michigan State.

The airtight Spartan secondary may have stifled Jake Christensen, but how about Hawkeye running back Albert Young repeatedly stuffing the ball right down St. Dic's throat in the second half? This was mano-a-mano in a battle of two teams playing their tails off to get to Detroit.

But even in defeat, Michigan State's football program has a lot they can take from this past week. Coach Dantonio really came into his own as a Big Ten football coach, showing us just what he learned from mentor Jim Tressel about handling off-field incidents with the touch of a strict disciplinarian. Hold your heads up high, Spartans -- there is a new sheriff in town.

Anyone else impressed by MSU-OSU?

Folks, the pugnacious Michigan State Spartans went into Columbus last weekend looking to upset the #1 Buckeyes and came away with one of the greatest moral victories in school history! The 24-17 game was dominated by neither team, with MSU's defense making stellar plays and the Ohio State offense "bending but not breaking."

The Buckeyes got out to a 24-0 lead, playing right into the hands of newly-hired coaching genius Mark Dantonio. At that point Dantonio commanded defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi to put his giant Saint-Dic to work, doubletime! And what do you know, after that three forced fumbles ensued, leading to two Spartan touchdowns! We all know that it's a football player's job to hang onto the ball, but I know I wouldn't be able to concentrate with an enormous Saint-Dic slapping at my face!

Let me tell you though, this was a game that the Spartans will be talking about for some time! They'll mention it with admiration alongside such great contests at Northwestern 2007, Michigan 2004, and Louisiana Tech 2003. Only time will tell whether the Spartans will be able to achieve another of their magical moral victories against the Hawkeyes tomorrow! As always, be sure to get Andy Gamm's take on the big game!

My heart is torn ..

.. for this weekend's showdown in Champaign between my alma mater -- Ball State University -- and "the comeback story of the year" -- the Fighting Illini.

I admit, my allegiances are torn.

On one hand, my Cardinals are an improving squad under former Big Ten Conference Football Assistant Brady Hoke. On the other hand, I have to admit I've been a bit pu**ywhipped by Ron Zook's long, wavy hair, and his Illini's brand of disciplined, mistake-free football.

As I predicted on Andy Gamm's Final Score Blogspot, I smell a 7-overtime thriller, with Illinois taking home a 67-64 victory.

It will be a win-win for me: my Cardinals will have put up another valiant fight in one of college football's most storied venues, while Coach Z's boys will have locked up a trip to a prestigious, mid-December bowl game!

Under the radar: Wisconsin football!

Speaking of no respect, why isn't anyone talking about Wisconsin this year? Perhaps it's because the Big Ten is so deep that the Badgers get overlooked, or maybe the press is just saving all their Wisconsin love for basketball season, but this team is for real folks! The team is already bowl eligible after running the table against an ambitious non-conference schedule that included the likes of perennial PAC-10 power Washington State, UNLV, the Citadel, and Northern Illinois (home of Garrett Wolfe!). The Badgers have been virtually flawless, their only losses coming to resurgent Illinois and in a closer-than-the-scoreboard-indicates 38-7 loss to Heisman hopeful Anthony Morelli and his wily coach, Joe Paterno.

Next up for the Badgers is Indiana, a worthy foe indeed! The Hoosiers have a stable of talented receivers, but the Badger defense should be able to handle them -- they've held opponents to under thirty points four times this year! -- and Tyler Donovan is an extraordinary quarterback, probably the best to don the cardinal and white since Super Bowl champion Jim Sorgi ran the offense in Madison. PJ Hill, cutting nimbly through defenders, is another Wisconsin back known for his grace and quickness. Plus, rising star Bret Bielema is a strict disciplinarian who has his kids in line and focused -- in his nearly two years as head coach, Bielema has had to deal with just a dozen arrests and academic issues!

Yes, the Badgers are destined for glory! Do you agree with me and with Andy Gamm of The Final Score dotnetblog?

No Respect

So I went through my usual Monday morning routine today -- eating pancakes with extra maple syrup and reading the silky smooth prose of Andy Gamm at The Final Score Blog. And gosh darn I nearly choked on a moist silver dollar when I read Mr. Gamm's passionate defense of our Big Ten Conference:

The Big Ten is however, getting ZERO national respect this year. Many feel OSU
will be the next giant to fall from the top. Michigan did lose to a 1-AA team
and get hammered in week two as well, so that doesn't help. Meanwhile, prior to
this past Saturday, perennial doormats Illinois and Indiana were still a big
part of the conference race. So, while on one hand I can see where the
disrespect comes from, I still think it has as much to do with overall
infatuation with the SEC, their gorgeous women and thunderously loud night-time
crowds.

Preach on, Andy! You're the kind of scribe I could run through walls for!

The Big Ten's most impressive non-league wins this year are Washington, Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh. Those are some big-time scalps; I'm not sure what more the critics are looking for. And people can make a big stink about co-leader Michigan having two losses, but folks one of those is to the No. 5 team in the BCS, and the other to a two-time defending national champion. That's nothing to scoff at.

Another thing Andy is spot on about is the strength of the SEC. Only 7 of their teams are in the BCS top-25 this week. Color me unimpressed. "Thunderously loud-night time crowds?" Uhhh, has the media ever been to Champaign or West Laffayette? I have. Bring your earplugs.

Let the haters hate, Andy. Per usual, we'll surely get the last laugh come bowl season.

And more on Northwestern ..

Rumor has it Matt Millen was in attendance on Friday night at Ford Field scouting "C.J. The Kid." And by golly, Mr. Bacher didn't disappoint now did he? Folks, it's time to put your "Asians in Athletics" stereotypes on the backburner and embrace what this kid is doing right now. He's making opposing defenses look like chop suey. Up next for the Wildcats, the notoriously stingy Purdue defense. "Me so excited" to watch that one!

The more I see of Northwestern ...

... the more I feel like the Wolverines escaped with a lucky win! Those feisty Wildcats have now strung together three impressive wins, shutting down the potent offenses of Michigan State and Minnesota in Big Ten play and going out of conference to tussle with the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Look at the final score (and The Final Score!) of the EMU games:

Michigan: Won 33-22
Northwestern: Won 26-14

Northwestern held the Eagles to fewer points and won with a larger margin of victory than the Wolverines did! Comparing the common opponent, Michigan had no business beating the pride of Evanston. I think we can officially call that win an upset, folks!

Illinois almost pops the Champagne

The Wolverines escaped this one but, as Kirk Herbstreit pointed out, the real story here is the resurgence of Illinois. Not only do they have an energetic, respectful fanbase (those t-shirts were first-class all the way!), but they have a hell of a leader as well. Ron Zook's coaching acumen was on full display in this one. Man, what a well-coached, disciplined football squad he's got there. The psychological warfare he engaged in with coach Lloyd Carr was priceless as well. Coach Zook kept the nation guessing as to which of his esteemed quarterbacks he was going to throw at the Maize and Blue next. Henson-Brady. Leak-Tebow. Williams-McGee. Michigan may have won on the scoreboard, but the Illini won everywhere else in this one.

A "Minor" Problem with the "Hart" of Michigan's "offense"

As anyone who saw the Michigan-Purdue game knows, Michael Hart was injured in the second quarter, and his backup, Brandon Minor, was injured a few days later. Thankfully a brilliant effort by third-string tailback Carlos "Mexican Charlie Brown" Brown helped to save the day. I believe Joe Tiller called for his players to injure our running backs after Hart piled up 102 yards in the first two quarters, but then again Purdue is well known for having a very tough defense. You're not simply going to line up and run it at their ferocious athletes and expect to make it out alive.

Hopefully Andy Gamm of the Final Score blog will weigh in with his opinion on Tiller's malicious malfeasance.

The criticism of Coach Kelvin Sampson

Pardon my language, but what a bunch of horse manure. How dare anyone defame this good man and fabulous basketball coach. Much like Steve Fisher, Jim O'Brien, and Clem Haskins before him, Coach Sampson is being unfairly persecuted for a minor rules violation that was clearly an innocent mistake and one that doesn't put Indiana University at a competitive advantage in any way, shape, or form. To hell with Gregg Doyel. Let's wait for a more neutral, reasoned, and more respected voice like Andy Gamm of The Final Score to speak out on the issue before we tar and feather Coach Sampson.

Ode to a Sack Master

Have folks in East Lansing ever stopped to consider what life would be like with a St. Dic-less defense? The Sack Master did it again Saturday, matching a B10 record for forced fumbles. No wonder, since Coach Dantonio has been forcing that St. Dic down the throats of opposing offenses all season. Visit the The Final Score if you want to read more prose salivating about that enormous St. Dic.

Now we know: Illinois Football Is Back!

Illini fans, Iowa paid you a huge compliment on Saturday by beating you. You are no longer the hunter; you are the hunted. Yes, Illinois football has arrived. Iowa fans stormed the field after this one, and they had every right to do so. Their defense just held one of the nation’s most potent offenses in check. OK, so this loss officially knocks Ron Zook’s club out of the national title picture, but I still expect to see the Blue and Orange playing on New Year’s Day.

Move over Timmy Chang ..

.. the next great Asian-American quarterback is upon us.

His teammates are rumored to have dubbed him "Pearl Harbor." That sounds about right to me after C.J. Bacher dropped another sneak attack on a college football power Saturday. First he shredded the vaunted Michigan defense in Evanston. Now he whacks St. Dic and the Spartan defenders?

I can't really put this performance into words. But I know the The Final Score blog can. We may have seen this game, but I guarantee you this guy actually saw it.

Massey out for the year

A huge hit for the Wolverines in their quest for the Big Ten title. This kid was a GAMER and he always gave his all.

Bon voyage, Young Wolverine. We eagerly anticipate your triumphant return next season!

If there are further details about this story no doubt you will find them at The Final Score.

Don't sleep on Michigan State, guys.

We all know about Coach Dantonio's first-class pedigree, but what a defense he's brought to East Lansing! This kid St. Dic can penetrate any offensive line formation the other team throws at him. One thing we can say about the Spartans is, they sure aren't going to beat themselves anymore with stupid penalties in the waning minutes. You're going to have to beat them, and it's going to be doggone tough to beat that St. Dic-led squad.

Mario Manningham out for Eastern Michigan?

The Free Press thinks so!

For my part, I doubt this will be the case. After all, Coach Carr hasn't made any sort of official announcement, and The Final Score doesn't appear to have any leads on the situation. Dealing in rumors is a sure way to look like a fool.

It's also hard to believe that a player like Mario, whose mind must be singularly focused on winning the Big Ten title at this point, would deviate from his course and do something that would confound his teammates and coaches. As I said before, there is probably nothing to this rumor -- just another example of negativity about the Wolverines coming from the Detroit media, folks.

Of course, if it is true, not playing on Saturday should give Mario a little more time to hit the books! If anyone knows that studies come first, it's Mr. Manningham!

A word of introduction!

Hello fellow Big Ten sports enthusiasts, my name is Roger, but you can call me the Even-Keeled Wolverine! I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1977 and have been a passionate fan for many years! I am married to my wonderful wife, Greta, and I have two kids as well as a dachshund named Rob Renes! After graduation, I moved into a spacious home on the east side of Garden City, Michigan, and I enjoy my daily commute to my job in one of America's great cities, Detroit! Every morning I fire up the LeSabre and cruise into the big city to do my duties as a low-level manager for an enormous cable company. I'm also what my doctors call "morbidly obese," but hey, weight is just a number!

My duty on Fitting the Vision -- FtV as we like to call it around here! -- will be to give a balanced perspective on Wolverine sports! Our aim in starting this site was to make it the second-greatest Big Ten "blog" next to The Final Score, and we hope to succeed in this mission!

EXCELSIOR! If you have comments, leave 'em!