Ohio State's Updated All-Time Head-To-Head Win/Loss Record Vs. Every Big 10 Team

By HD Handshoe — BlockONation.com Founder

I consider myself a fan of history.

Specifically, I'm both a Civil War and College Football enthusiast.

I only read about American History, but I do occasionally write about Ohio State football here on the blog.

I guess that's why I was curious what Ohio State's record was against every current Big Ten team, so much so, that I did a lot of research, compiled the numbers, and posted an article with my findings way back in 2010.

Two years later — and with a new member in the conference — feels like a good time to bring myself and my readers up-to-date.

Here then are the all-time W/L/T records vs. every member of the Big Ten (including former member Chicago) up to, and including, the 2011 season.

10 wins, 2 losses, and 2 ties vs. the Chicago Maroons (no longer in DI/B10)

64 wins, 30 losses, and 4 ties vs. the Illinois Fighting Illini

68 wins, 12 losses, and 5 ties vs. the Indiana Hoosiers

46 wins, 14 losses, and 3 ties vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes

44 wins, 58 losses, and 6 ties vs. the Michigan Wolverines

27 wins, 13 losses, and 0 ties vs. the Michigan State Spartans

43 wins, 7 losses, and 0 ties vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers

2 wins, 1 loss, and 0 ties vs. the Nebraska Cornhuskers

59 wins, 14 losses, and 1 tie vs. the Northwestern Wildcats

14 wins, 13 losses, and 0 ties vs. the Penn State Nittany Lions

38 wins, 14 losses, and 2 ties vs. the Purdue Boilermakers

54 wins, 18 losses, and 5 ties vs. the Wisconsin Badgers

As you can see above, the only team in the conference to have an advantage over the Buckeyes is Michigan, but since 1919, the series is even at 44-44-5.

The Michigan lead in the series was "padded" in the first 15 meetings between 1897 and 1919.

The Wolverines dominated a very young Ohio State program, with Michigan winning 13 of those 15 games — the only caveats for OSU coming in 1900 and 1910, when the teams battled to a 0-0 tie and a 3-3 tie, respectively.

Even with the very lean John Cooper years (2-10-1 vs. UM), Ohio State still leads the head-to-head series 32-28-2 from 1950-2011, a span widely considered as the modern era of college football.

Michigan is the all-time wins leader in college football with 895, so to be trailing only them (by 14 wins) all-time, head-to-head in the conference is nothing to be ashamed of — especially since the Buckeyes have narrowed the gap significantly over the last decade.

I know I went on a bit of a rant there. Instead of the previous five paragraphs, I probably could have just said "I hate Michigan" — the end, but ripping on them and pointing out that they only lead because of their pre-WWI wins against a H.S. level program in its infancy is so much more fun.

In closing, you may be interested to know that the picture above is of Ohio State's 1890 football team, its first ever team.

It's safe to say from 1890-2011, Ohio State has certainly come along way in football.

Here's to the next 122 years of Buckeye football history.

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Against the Spread: Game by Game Predictions for Every Ohio State Game This Season

By Tyler Waddell — BlockONation.com Featured Contributor

Beyond the Bets released its point spread projections for 798 college football regular season games less than two weeks ago, providing us fanatics and gamblers alike something to talk about. Big Ten-specific projections can be viewed here.

It has the Ohio State Buckeyes finishing 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten) and second in the Leaders division—behind Wisconsin—in Urban Meyer's inaugural season as coach.

Even if OSU was eligible for the conference championship on December 1, Beyond the Bets believes it wouldn't go.

Although Jim Tressel's style of play—"Tresselball"—was very kind to point spread gamblers, no one knows what they're now up against with Meyer at the helm.

Here's a look at Ohio State's schedule and spreads with some highly-subjective insight on whether to bet against them or not.

Week 1: Miami of Ohio at Ohio State (-27)

A year ago, the RedHawks were set to defend their Mid-American Conference championship. Instead, they backtracked, finishing with a 4-8 (3-5 MAC) and failed to beat a team with a winning record.

Miami returns standout quarterback Zac Dysert, who ranks third behind only Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Southern California's Matt Barkley in career passing yardage among active college quarterbacks. However, even he is unlikely to put up much of a fight in the season-opener.

It's difficult to bet on games like these where a blowout is inevitable, but Meyer will be testing the function of his new offense and could let loose on the Mid-American foe to find an early momentum. This is an easy one to agree with.

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Miami (Oh.) 6

Week 2: Central Florida at Ohio State (-16.5)

Central Florida ended last year as the Conference USA’s biggest disappointment, finishing 5-7 (3-5) and missing the postseason.

Coach George O’Leary is determined to bounce back with help from a trio of high-profile transfers: QB Tyler Gabbert (Missouri), RB Storm Johnson (Miami) and OT Phil Smith (Georgia Tech).

Still, it's premature to assume those three will make ground-shaking impacts as starters for the Knights, especially in the electric atmosphere of the 'Shoe. I'm taking the spread and going with Ohio State's number.

Prediction: Ohio State 34, UCF 13

Week 3: California at Ohio State (-14)

California owns one of the Pac-12's youngest, most talented offenses. Behind the arm of improving quarterback Zach Maynard, wide receiver and future high-round draft selection Keenan Allen, senior running backs Isi Sofele and C.J. Anderson, and a solid offensive line, the Golden Bears could surprise many in 2012.

But it won't surprise Ohio State.

With the loss of numerous defensive playmakers, Cal could struggle to contain the many looks that Meyer brings with the spread-option. Braxton Miller could very well throw for 200-plus yards while tracking 100-plus on the ground.

I see the Buckeyes controlling this game, but I don't think the scoreboard will reflect the on-field dominance quite as much. I'm betting against Beyond the Bets and taking California.

Prediction: Ohio State 30, California 17

Week 4: UAB at Ohio State (-38)

Since appearing in their only bowl game in 2004, the UAB Blazers have strung together seven consecutive losing seasons. This includes a 3-9 (3-5 C-USA) record in 2011, where they were outscored by an average of 17 points and were beat by at least 39 on four different occasions.

Although UAB returns some decent players at various skill positions, it lost five seniors on the offensive line and returns a defense that got to the quarterback just eight times and ranked 119th nationally in tackles for loss.

If Tressel were still the coach, I'd take UAB's line here simply because he did not like to run it up on his opponents. But he's not, and I won't; Meyer takes a completely different approach to the game and will not hesitate to put 60 on the board.

Prediction: Ohio State 48, UAB 3

Week 5: Ohio State at Michigan State (-1.5)

Beyond the Bets features Ohio State losing to Michigan State in its first road game of the season. I disagree, but its prediction of a 1.5 point differential shows that it isn't sold on the Spartans yet, either.

Michigan State loses nearly the entire passing game with quarterback Kirk Cousins and receivers B.J. Cunningham, Keith Nichol, and Keshawn Martin all gone due to the NFL draft and graduation.

Fifth-year senior Tyler Hoover will be the man in charge of plugging the middle, replacing All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy. At 6'7", 295 pounds, size will not be an issue. However, pass rush may be an issue.

Winning in East Lansing is never easy, but I don't think the matchups are there for Sparty. Ohio State possesses more talent at the most important positions on the field, along with a superior coaching staff.

I'm going with the Buckeyes for both the spread and outcome.

Prediction: Ohio State 20, Michigan State 17

Week 6: Nebraska at Ohio State (-5)

Ohio State owned a 27-6 lead mid-way through the third quarter of last year's battle with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. However, when Braxton Miller went down with an ankle injury, all hell broke loose.

Quarterback Taylor Martinez dissembled the Buckeyes' shaky defense with his dual-threat abilities, while Rex Burkhead took 26 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown. Both are back in 2012.

However, Miller is healthy and Ohio State now has a high-flying offensive scheme to go along with a distinguished defensive unit.

I'm taking OSU's -5. If the Buckeyes can take a 21-point lead in Lincoln with last years many limitations, there's no reason to think they can't do the same—and actually hold it this time—at home.

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Nebraska 20

Week 7: Ohio State at Indiana (+21)

Since entering the conference in 1900, Indiana has won two Big Ten titles—and the only outright championship came 67 years ago.

Poor IU—while other Big Ten schools like Ohio State and Michigan already have reached double-digit recruits in their 2013 recruiting classes, the Hoosiers finally received their first verbal commitment (a 2-star WR from Fort Wayne) for 2013 just last week.

That pretty much sums up the Hoosiers' football program. It has only sent 12 players to the NFL in the last 14 seasons and hasn't had a winning record since 2007, combining for a 13-35 record during that time.

It's the bitter truth, but Indiana isn't going anywhere and it isn't going anywhere fast (wait, what?). I like Ohio State's number here.

Prediction: Ohio State 44, Indiana 16

Week 8: Purdue at Ohio State (-16.5)

After beating Ohio State last year, coach Danny Hope and the Purdue Boilermakers feel like they're making strides to becoming more competitive in the Big Ten. This could be the year to make some noise in what looks to be a relatively weak outlook for the conference.

The quarterback position is still up for grabs, but the two guys competing are all more than capable of getting the job done. Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve combined for 232-386 (60.1 percent) passing for 2,538, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2011.

Kawann Short could possibly be the best defensive tackle in all of college football with the potential to be a top-10 selection in next year's draft. He's the anchor of a solid front seven for Purdue.

They won't win, but the Boilermakers will beat the spread here. Hope seems to know how to play Ohio State and will keep his team in the game.

Prediction: Ohio State 27, Purdue 13

Week 9: Ohio State at Penn State (+6)

Penn State's football program has enough issues right now other than just getting back to playing good football again, but even that may be difficult at this point.

The Nittany Lions' quarterback situation is a mess—an above-average receiver has yet to emerge from the roster—the defense is suffering some huge losses at pivotal positions—and Bill O'Brien has no head prior head coaching experience.

It doesn't look good for Penn State this upcoming season, and the Buckeyes playing PSU in Happy Valley may not be as difficult of a factor to overcome as it might otherwise normally be, especially in closely contested games.

I like Ohio State's line here, giving the Buckeyes yet another victory.

Prediction: Ohio State 23, Penn State 9

Week 10: Illinois at Ohio State (-19.5)

Amid a coaching change and transition period, it's easy to say that Illinois will be going through a rebuilding stage in 2012. But if the Fighting Illini are ever going to win a Big Ten championship in the next decade, this is the year.

The Leaders division is up for grabs: Wisconsin doesn't look like it will be the same caliber team, Penn State could very well tread at .500, and Ohio State isn't eligible.

Coach Tim Beckman needs to be in "win-now" mode. It's unfortunate for him that he is inheriting a subpar roster, but his days of racking up the points at Toledo may rub off on quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and turn the offense into a legitimate scoring threat.

This may be one of the more difficult point spreads to predict on Ohio State's roster, but I just don't see drastic changes in year one for Beckman. I'm going with the Buckeyes' and the -19.5.

Prediction: Ohio State 34, Illinois 14

Week 11: Bye Week

Week 12: Ohio State at Wisconsin (-4)

Russell Wilson may be gone, but Wisconsin won't miss a beat in 2012.

It has yet another huge, talented offensive line ready to lead the way for running back Montee Ball, who led the nation with 1,923 yards and 33 touchdowns last season.

Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien will fit in nicely in new offensive coordinator Matt Canada's offense, who uses the same philosophy as former O.C. Paul Chryst did.

The defense will look a little different with names like Louis Nzegwu and Patrick Butrym missing, but should remain stout as usual.

Oh, and the Badgers are 21-0 in Madison dating back to their last loss against Iowa in 2009. Forgive me Buckeye fans, but I'm not going to let my biased integrity interfere with my wallet. I like Wisconsin's line in this one.

Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Ohio State 20

Week 13: Michigan at Ohio State (-4)

Are you bursting with excitement yet?

Yes, Ohio State is favored at home over Mich—that team up north. This sparks some controversy, as many believe the Wolverines are favored to win the Big Ten championship this upcoming season.

Denard Robinson isn't the quarterback Brady Hoke would like under center, but right now, he's the only smart option and is arguably the best athlete in the NCAA. He'll continue to shred defenses on the ground while struggle through the air, which should be good enough to compile a 10-1 record heading into Week 12 (with a loss to Alabama).

The Buckeyes held their own and then some in last year's loss, fighting to the end in a surprising high-scoring affair (40-34). The close outcome—which was sparked by Braxton Miller's pure athleticism alone—shocked many, including Ohio State fans.

Thanks to the memorabilia-for-cash scandal in 2010, the Buckeyes are facing a postseason ban that will keep them from playing in January.

However, a regular season-ending clash with their hated arch rival in the 'Shoe screams bowl game. The atmosphere in Columbus will be like none other, glowing with an electrifying aura. This gives Ohio State a huge advantage, and it allows me to agree with Beyond the Bets that it will beat the Wolverines.

I'm taking OSU's -4 point spread in The Game.

Prediction: Ohio State 33, Michigan 28

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Urban Meyer Landing Some Big Fish In The Ohio State Recruiting Net

by Nick Weaver - BlockONation Contributor


Urban Meyer is doing what he does best — setting fire to the recruiting trail.

A great movie phrase comes to mind here -- “If you build it they will come”.

Urban has built a great reputation with Florida and it has carried over to tOSU. I have to insert my props to Coach Tressel for building a super foundation that Urban can just step in and run with.

I know what you are thinking, what about Luke? I know many think he did a good job, but me, I am not so sure.

I believe with the structure that was set up anyone could have went 6-6 with this Buckeye team. Let me get back on point, however. Urban has swooped in and made an impact in recruiting in just a couple weeks.

Meyer has been robbing the cradles of the other power house B1G teams.

With the verbals received from Tommy Schutt and Se'von Pittman (pictured at left), both Penn State and Michigan State have already felt the intoxicating effects of Urban, while Wisconsin is next up to get robbed. I can't wait to hear Biliema's remarks afterwards.

Running back Bri'onte Dunn realized his future will be better at Ohio State instead of going up north to scUm, and reassured the Buckeye Nation that he is 150% Buckeye!

Meyer has been able to do all that along with staying in tune with the fight going on over the baby bearing Urban as his middle name in Florida. Urban has developed a simple pitch that he tells the recruits -- “Not a Big Ten championship, not a national championship, but multiple championships”.

I really believe there are several top-notch guys yet to change their allegiances out of the top 150. Urban has now locked in his coordinators and the two-week Christmas break could see a couple other Christmas presents under the tree for Buckeye fans.

The Meyer camp has already started to turn down WRs because the team is practically overloaded at the position -- Urban recently added a couple of height and speed guys to our already fast receiving core.

While many complain that it is unfair for tOSU to have two separate coaching staffs, I say rubbish! It's an NCAA rule that many other schools have been granted use of.

Over a few thousand dollars in tattoos, the NCAA launched an investigation that has almost totaled one-million dollars (in my Austin powers voice) in costs.

I didn’t hear those critics feeling sorry for OSU during the season, amazingly enough. I can’t imagine the bill to investigate the “U” when that gets going.

The way I see it, the NCAA owes Ohio State this much, seeing as how they came in and took our lunch and ate it right in front of us, i.e. Hall, Howard, Herron, and especially Posey (excessive) suspensions.

I know everyone is as excited as I am to see what will happen the next couple months right up until NSD in February. I have already talked to many folks that wish it were Spring, 2012 NOW!

It can't get here soon enough.

Follow Nick on Twitter @nick_weav

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Penn State, Iowa and Michigan—Ohio State's Three-Game Season to the BCS

Grant Freking—BlockONation Featured Contributor

Aside from the numerous Big Ten tiebreaker scenarios and poll watching, Ohio State’s goal for the last three games of the season is simple: win out.

While beating Penn State and Michigan at home shouldn’t be a problem, taking out Iowa in Kinnick Stadium will surely be no walk in the park.

Here is a closer look at OSU's all-important three game stretch to finish the season.


vs. Penn State

The Good: After getting pounded by Iowa and Illinois, Penn State has rebounded nicely in the last two weeks with wins against Minnesota and Michigan. After missing last weeks’ game, quarterback Rob Bolden should be good to go against Northwestern. Evan Royster broke the school rushing record last week.

The Bad: Penn State finishes up against Northwestern, at OSU, Indiana and Michigan State. It’s very likely they could finish 7-5. The defense is also allowing 20 points a game.

The OSU Result: Penn State would stand a chance if this game was in Happy Valley. Then again, the Buckeyes dismantled the Nittany Lions last season in front of a whiteout, Darryl Clark and a veteran defense.

34-10, Ohio State.


@ Iowa

The Good: The Hawkeyes are the best two-loss team in the country. If they didn’t lay an egg in the first half at Arizona and fall for a fake punt at home against Wisconsin, they’d be undefeated.

Nevertheless, they’ve put themselves in this position, which isn’t exactly bad and could still end in a share of the Big Ten title. Even with 19 touchdowns, two interceptions and nearly 2,000 yards to his credit, Ricky Stanzi still isn’t in the Heisman discussion.

The Bad: Nothing really. They finish at Northwestern, home against OSU and at Minnesota. Another loss probably drops them out of the BCS although they could still land in a New Year’s Day bowl.

The OSU Result: Everything points to a loss at Iowa for OSU. Their banged-up defense gives Iowa’s balanced offense an edge (think Wisconsin with a more talented quarterback) and OSU’s special teams are still very iffy.

But, I think this OSU team knows their destiny. They don’t want to be the ones to end the Buckeyes streak of Big Ten titles.

24-21, Ohio State.


vs. Michigan

The Good: Denard Robinson. So what if he won’t win the Heisman? The sophomore from Deerfield Beach, FL still has a ridiculous statistics: 1,509 passing yards with 10 passing touchdowns and 1,287 rushing yards coupled with 12 rushing touchdowns.

The Bad: Michigan has once again floundered after a hot start (5-0 this year and 4-0 in 2009). The problem is clearly in their defense. They simply can’t stop anybody.

They aren’t physical enough or fast enough to control anyone’s offense (giving up 41 points to Penn State and their backup, walk-on quarterback is a major red flag).

While they might stand a good chance of beating Illinois and Purdue, the Wolverines will surely fall to Wisconsin and OSU to close out their regular season at a probable 7-5.

The OSU Result: The Wolverines may put some numbers and even a few points against OSU, but the “Silver Bullets” will hit Robinson like he hasn’t been yet this season. Plus, Michigan won’t be able to contain Terrelle Pryor with their wet-paper-towel defense.

48-17, Ohio State.


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BlockONation's Ridiculously Way-Too-Early Top 10 For 2010—Number Nine

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation



Welcome to our 10-part series highlighting our picks for the way-too-early top 10 preseason teams in the nation for 2010.

One at a time, our top 10 will be revealed, leading up to No. 1.

As always, we want to know what you think as well, so please post your thoughts in the comment section.

Bookmark the site if you haven't already and feel free to tell all your friends about us too!

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Now, on with the countdown...



Number 9—TCU Horned Frogs

TCU had an amazing season in 2009, going unbeaten (12-0) and busting the BCS to earn a spot in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.

Unfortunately for them, the BCS Monopoly forced them to play fellow BCS Buster Boise State rather than Florida, Cincinnati, Iowa, or Georgia Tech.

The game was fairly evenly matched, and Boise won to cap off a perfect season of their own (14-0), but we really wanted the opportunity to see just how good the two teams were against the big boys.

Maybe next year, but probably not...

Speaking of 2010, TCU should once again be highly ranked to start the season, and deservedly so, as most of their key starters return.

The Horned Frogs lose only two starters on offense—left tackle Marshall Newhouse and tailback Joseph Turner, meaning their somewhat unheralded star QB Andy Dalton will be back for his senior season.

Dalton threw for over 2750 yards, 23 touchdowns, versus only eight interceptions, while posting a 151.8 QB efficiency rating.

Seven starters are coming back on the defensive side of the ball, but defensive end Jerry Hughes, linebacker Daryl Washington, and cornerbacks Nick Sanders and Rafael Priest leave pretty big shoes to fill.

TCU will open its season at Dallas Cowboys Stadium against Oregon State on Sept. 4.

The Horned Frogs also have a home game against Baylor and a road game at SMU in their non-conference schedule.

They should have a legit chance of going 12-0 again if they come close to meeting the high expectations that will be placed upon them.

Although they will likely begin the season in or near the AP top 10, in the end, I personally don't see them remaining unbeaten, or thus in the top 10 too far into the 2010 season.

2010 Regular Season Projection

Possible Losses
Oregon State, Baylor, BYU, and Utah

W/L Record
It's tough to say for sure, but I think TCU wins eight games for sure, and maybe as many as 10 depending on the health of Robert Baylor from Baylor and if they are a little lucky as I expect Oregon State, BYU, and Utah to all be top 25 teams this coming season.

Last season, the Horned Frogs went 8-0 in the Mountain West. I don't believe they will repeat that feat in 2010, but ultimately, they could win the MWC if they don't lose to both BYU and Utah.

I expect to see them in a decent bowl game, but not likely another BCS game this coming year.


Number eight, coming soon!


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BlockONation's Ridiculously Way-Too-Early Top 10 For 2010—Number 10

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation



Welcome to our 10-part series highlighting our picks for the way-too-early top 10 preseason teams in the nation for 2010.

One at a time, our top 10 will be revealed, leading up to No. 1.

As always, we want to know what you think as well, so please post your thoughts in the comment section.

Bookmark the site if you haven't already and feel free to tell all your friends about us too!



Number 10—Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers proved me wrong in 2009. I thought seven wins would be about the best they could hope for, but after treading on thin ice for the past two so-so seasons, Bret Bielema has Wisconsin back on track.

To almost everyone's surprise, the Badgers beat Miami 20-14 in the Champs Sports Bowl to finish the season 10-3.

With running back (and Big Ten Offensive POY) John Clay coming back, and quarterback Scott Tolzien exceeding the output I foresaw for him, the Badgers could be scary good on offense in 2010.

Tight end Garrett Graham is the only offensive starter leaving. Five defensive starters will have to be replaced, but that unit wasn't exactly the Badgers strong suit in 2009, so they should be just as good defensively in 2010—whether or not that is saying much, or not, remains to be seen.

Much like 2009, the Badgers' out-of-conference schedule isn't exactly full of challenges. UW will travel to Vegas to take on UNLV, and they will host San Jose State, Arizona State and FCS foe Austin Peay.

In conference, Wisconsin will travel to Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan, but will host Ohio State at Camp Randall in what should prove to be their toughest game of the year.


2010 Regular Season Projection

Probable / Possible Losses
Ohio State, Iowa / Michigan, Northwestern

W/L Record
For my money, 10-2 is possible and the most likely record for Wisconsin in 2010, but 8-4 is also possible. I believe UW will win nine or 10 games, and finish third in the Big Ten, likely behind Ohio State and Iowa.


Number 9, coming soon!


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So, About That Whole "The Big Ten Is Slow, Weak, Ancient, Etc." Thing....

by HD Handshoe
Founder—Block-O-Nation



A funny thing happened on the way to the Big Ten embarrassing itself in the 2009-2010 bowl games.

It didn't even come close to happening.

Even the three "worst" teams repping the conference played well overall.

Seven Big Ten teams were invited to play in a bowl game this year, and four of those seven played in top-tier bowls, vs. four opponents all of whom are/were ranked in the top 15.


Close, But Not Quite

Minnesota, a perennial doormat, lost by one point to Iowa State of the Big 12 in the Insight Bowl. It's not like there were high expectations placed upon them, and hey, at least they were in the game.

Then there's Michigan State—who despite suspending something like 15 players before their Alamo Bowl matchup vs. the Leech-less Texas Tech Red Raiders, actually held a fourth quarter lead—only to falter and lose in the end, like they always seem to do, in and out of conference. That's what happens when you have a terrible defense.

Northwestern gave a strong showing against SEC foe Auburn in the Outback Bowl. Trailing 38-35, Coach Pat Fitzgerald called a fake FG in overtime, and tried for a touchdown that could have won the game, but fell just a few yards short of the endzone.

Sure, they lost in the end, but I still give him props for having the marbles to make that call to try and win the game. Auburn is a decent team and they had wins over West Virginia, Tennessee, and Mississippi this season, so there's no shame in losing a hard fought game to a good SEC opponent.


And The Trophies Go To...

No. 25 Wisconsin, the Big Tens' fourth place team, surprised No. 15 Miami, and most of the rest of us in all honesty in the Champs Sports Bowl. The Badgers out gained the Hurricanes 430 to 239 in yardage, and outscored the Canes 20-14 to set the tone for the Big Ten as they etched the first big win of the bowl season for the conference. During the season, Miami had wins over then-No. 18 FSU, then-No. 14 Georgia Tech, and then-No. 8 Oklahoma.

No. 13 Penn State finished third in the conference this season which earned them a trip to the Capital One Bowl to face the No. 12 LSU Tigers. LSU beat then-No. 18 Georgia, Auburn, and Arkansas during the regular season.

On a rainy, muddly, sloppy field in Orlando, the Nittany Lions and the Tigers played a near even game, but in the end, Penn State was able to move into field goal range for the game-winning 27-yard kick with just :57 seconds left on the clock, and ultimately send the Big Ten to a 2-0 mark in the top-tier bowl game matchups with their 19-17 victory.

QB Ricky Stanzi returned from an ankle injury after missing the final two games of the regular season for No. 10 Iowa, and helped lead the Hawkeyes to the Big Tens' third top-tier bowl game win over No. 9 Georgia Tech.

The Hawkeyes held the Yellow Jackets, who average over 300 yards rushing per game, to just 32 total yards in the first half, 155 total yards for the game, and one offensive touchdown that came in the fourth quarter, as they coasted to the 24-14 win.

Georgia Tech had several key wins during the season including two wins over Clemson, as well as victories against then-No. 22 North Carolina, and then-No. 4 Virginia Tech.

Last, but certainly far from least, my our Big Ten Champion, No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes, made their first trip to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl since 1997 quite a memorable one.


Photo Copyright-Cleveland.com

Ever since No. 7 Oregon squeaked by Oregon State on December 3 to win the Pac-10, everyone and their brother, and their brother's wives brother, and all the "experts" were all predicting an easy, probable blow-out win for the Ducks over the Bucks.

Even on this very blog, on my Rose Bowl preview article, Oregon fans found their way here and posted some of the rudest, and cockiest comments I've just about ever read. Of course, now I'm actually glad they did so I can read over them again and get a good laugh!

Oregon had only lost to No. 6 Boise State (who just beat No. 3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl and completed a perfect 14-0 season) to open the year in the now infamous "sucker-punch" game on the blue turf, and to Heisman runner-up stud running back Toby Gerhart and Stanford in Santa Clara.

Despite the two losses during the regular season, they did have several big wins over ranked opponents, including Utah, Cal, USC, Arizona, and Oregon State.

As for the game with Ohio State, billed as the unstoppable offense of Oregon vs. the bend-but-not-break vaunted defense of Ohio State, something had to give, and contrary to popular belief, it did not end up being Ohio State's "D".

The Buckeyes held Oregon to 260 total yards and 17 points, both well under their season averages. Only once did Oregon briefly lead in the third quarter when they took a 17-16 lead after a Jeremiah Masoli one-yard touchdown run with 11:03 to go.

Five minutes later, OSU took the lead back for good on a 38-yard field goal from Devin Barclay, and added a little insurance in the fourth when Terrelle Pryor hooked up with favorite target DeVier Posey for a 17-yard touchdown with 7:02 left on the clock.

Posey had a career best performance, and Pryor had one of his best performances as well, and certainly his best on the "big-stage" outside of the Big Ten.

On the year, the Buckeyes accomplished a feat, that so far, I have not been able to confirm has ever been done before in college football by any other team in one season.

They defeated five teams (Navy, Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa, and Oregon) that all had 10-win seasons, and that will all likely be ranked in the final AP top 25 poll of the year.

I wrote an article in May, well before the 2009 season began, in which I claimed the Big Ten was back. As you might expect, it was met with much criticism, ridicule, and people calling me a homer and a clueless moron.

FYI: I also predicted the Buckeyes would win the Rose Bowl 24-17. The actual final score was 26-17.

I'm kind of getting tired of always being right...!!!




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ESPN's Resident Biased Hater Pat Forde Ripping the Big 10 Again—What's New?

Posted by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation


On the January night in 2003 when Ohio State stunned Miami and won the national title, the Big Ten seemed poised for a renaissance.

The Buckeyes were back under Jim Tressel, and that wasn't all.

Michigan and Penn State were their usual selves, rolling up 10 and nine victories, respectively.

Iowa went 11-2 that season. Wisconsin and Minnesota each won eight games.

Surely, those schools and others in the league would rise to meet the Buckeyes at or near the summit.

Six humbling seasons later, Ohio State is still waiting for backup.

Yes, there have been high points for the rest of the conference: Iowa's 20 victories in 2003 and '04 combined; Penn State's 11-1 mark in 2005; Michigan's 11-2 and Wisconsin's 12-1 records in '06; Illinois' 2008 Rose Bowl berth; Northwestern and Michigan State each winning nine games last year.

But beyond the Buckeyes, every single program in the Big Ten has had at least one big bust of a season.

Ohio State has not ranked lower than No. 21 in the Sagarin computer ratings in any of the past six seasons. The other 10 teams in the league have ranked in the lower half of the FBS nationally at least once during that time.

Michigan had its 3-9 train wreck last year, finishing 95th.

Wisconsin threw in a 7-6 clunker last season against a soft schedule to finish 61st.

Iowa was 79th in 2007.

Penn State was 71st in 2003 and 63rd in '04.

Purdue slid in its final years under Joe Tiller, finishing 62nd in 2006 and 78th last year.

Michigan State had a couple of rough seasons under John L. Smith, ranking 66th in 2004 and 80th in '06.

Minnesota cratered in 2007, winning one game and finishing 123rd.

Northwestern is justifiably proud of earning three Big Ten titles since 1995, but it was No. 93 in the Sagarin ratings in 2006 and No. 86 in '07.

Illinois has been higher than 68th only once in the past six years.

And Indiana -- where they're now selling league home games to the highest bidder -- has failed to crack the top 70.

Compare that to the other leagues, and you'll see a consistency problem.

Five schools in the Big Ten's nemesis league, the Southeastern Conference, have ranked in the top half of the FBS nationally all six years: Florida, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina.

Three of them -- Florida, LSU and Georgia -- have done what the Buckeyes have done, ranking in the top 30 every season.

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I'd just like to add:

During his hateful rant against the Big Ten, I absolutely love how Pat slurps several SEC teams, yet conveniently doesn't mention the fact that the Big Ten has a winning record vs. the SEC this decade and all-time.

I suppose that's not really that important when your employer has a $3 Billion TV deal with the SEC though, huh...

Just focus on those lowly season end rankings and not the fact that many of those "terrible" Big Ten teams went on to beat an SEC team in a bowl game that same year.

Spun like a true ESPN anal-yst.

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Here's a video of Forde's take, in case you want to see and hear what he has to say about the top five conferences and how he ranks them 1-5.



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This article was written by Pat Forde and posted on ESPN.com