Big Ten Lessons: Week 2
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by The Beast
1. Right now, Ohio State isn't much better than Michigan
While Buckeye fans has been quick to point out Michigan's many faults, their own team has plenty of things to worry about with a road trip to Seattle next weekend. So far, Ohio State has looked rather uninspiring in their first two games against Division 1-AA Youngstown State and in-state foe Akron. The turnover margin has been horrid as it stands -4 going into next week, and these mistakes must be stopped if the Buckeyes expect to compete for the Big Ten title. While the turnovers have been costly, the offense has also been a bit sluggish, with the halftime score of 3-2 against Akron being reminiscent of a baseball game. If they expect to remain undefeated than the offense must improve and the turnovers must decrease.
2. Penn State is just average (On Offense)
When glancing at the scoreboard, it appears as if Penn State had just rolled over and thoroughly dominated Notre Dame. However, to be a truly dominant football team, one must be as equally stifling on defense as prolific on offense. With just under 300 yards of total offense, Penn State is clearly an average offensive team. Against Georgia Tech, Notre Dame allowed 265 rushing yards, but Penn State's Austin Scott only managed 116 rushing yards. Quarterback Anthony Morelli has also been average, as the senior threw for just 131 yards and a touchdown. What makes the offense even more questionable is their lack of efficiency, as they completed just over half of all third down opportunities. In addition to their poor third down conversion rate, the Nittany Lions also have an over simplistic offense. When facing the nation's top defensive teams, they will have plenty of difficulty scoring (see Virginia Tech).
3. Don't sweat it Wisconsin fans
While the Badgers looked like a national title contender in week one, they almost pulled a "Michigan" in week two. The offense struggled against UNLV, as they scored just twenty points. If you are a Wisconsin fan, please don't pluck your eyes out. The Badgers were playing three hours later than usual due to the time difference and looked a little sluggish. The real Wisconsin team showed up in week one. The question now is whether second year Head Coach Bret Bielima can get his players to stay hungry week in and week out.
4. Purdue has the Big Ten's best offense
While they have only played Toledo and Eastern Illinois, the Boilermakes showed that they have plenty of offensive firepower, as they have scored over 50 points in both games. Curtis Painter has looked like Colt Brennan, throwing for ten touchdowns and nearly 600 yards. What has been most impressive is the fact that he has not thrown an interception yet. As long as they turnovers remain low, the Painter led attack looks the be the Big Ten's best.
5. Mark Dantonio has Michigan State headed in the right Direction After years of effortless performances in the John L. Smith era, Mark Dantonio appears to have the Spartans playing at a much higher level. They have won comfortably in their first two games against UAB and Bowling Green. What has been most impressive so far is the fact that the Spartans have fewer turnovers and avoid stupid mistakes. The talent has always been in East Lansing but the problem with Smith has been fully utilizing it.
