Big Ten Criticism on Rivals
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=986535
I guess it's part of the national storyline about the Big Ten being weak and slow relative to the other BCS conferences, but I really hate how articles like this fail to mention how we went toe-to-toe with the Gators in the Capital One Bowl in 2008 and came out the victors.
However, the article did lead me wonder about the effects on Michigan in future rankings. As we continue to rise, if the other B10 schools continue to flounder on the national stage, without solid non-conference opponents, will we be penalized?
Thoughts?
September 10th, 2009 at 7:03 PM ^
We will be fine if we return to winning, the big knock in recent years is the fact that no Big Ten team can win a BCS game. We sent 2 most of time and they both get their asses handed to them...including us :( The big improvement is we will no longer be a team designed for football in the Big Ten in November....we will be able to compete on turf in 70 degree, dry domes and southern fields. Granted it may make winning in heavy snow and ice storms more difficult, or not... If I remember correctly in the power rankings the Big Ten was 2nd all year last year among the BCS conferences, we just havent been showing well in the big ones...RR will change that
September 10th, 2009 at 7:03 PM ^
I suspect that recruits who care about this national perception are not too high on playing in the Big 10 anyway. Sure, a few kids from the South/California might think twice about playing for some team like Purdue or Minny, but teams like UM, OSU, and PSU are national recruiters who will draw or lose kids on their own reputations, not that of the Big 10.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:56 PM ^
...say what you want, but the ACC and Big East are infinitely worse than the Big Ten and I'm not convinced the Pac Ten is better either. I think the SEC has a legitimate claim right now to best league. Being home to the last couple of National Champions will do that for you.