B1G Week #1

B.A.R.

B.A.R.

CTG Partner
Staff member
Ladies and Gentlemen of CTG,

We are back!

Time for the first installment of the highly acclaimed weekly Big Ten Conference Discussion Thread!

For years, @HUNT and I have authored this thread to discuss anything and everything in this growing conference. All insights are encouraged, and the great thing about this thread is finding tidbits from our locals around the conference. Great discussion is encouraged! We like trash talk as well.

My apologies for the late start to this thread. I almost started this 3 weeks ago, but I thought that was too early. Wrong. I should have started the discussion back in May fergodsakes. Anyways, let's get going on what should be a fascinating season in the Big Ten.

I want to remind everyone that this conference has very unbalanced schedules due to the lack of divisions and the permanent rivalry games. Use that to your advantage when capping conference winners, RSW's and anything else.

Week #1 thread, I am just going to jot some notes and thoughts...


Thursday night provides an opportunity to see 4 teams in action...


Ohio @ Rutgers -15.5 and 49.5

Cincinnati vs Nebraska -6.5 and 53.5

Buffalo @ Minnesota -18 and 44

Miami OH @ Wisconsin -17 and 39.5


For myself, I am interested to see how the Rutgers defense improves with a new coordinator. On offense, they should have some continuity with QB1 back again. This squad faces a pretty tough schedule this year -- need to start strong! We'll lean on @Marsski for Bobcat thoughts.

Nebraska is a team I think should improve as well. Baby steps each year under Rhule. Raiola should blossom after gaining valuable true freshman game experience. The next step for this program is a big win vs a top team. Michigan and USC at home potentially could qualify. A late-season trip to Happy Valley would be the ultimate stepping stone. Before any of that, though, a test on the road to start the season. No cupcake here. My big note here is that the Huskers OL is top 10 in the nation in returning starts. This is the perfect game to run a lot and control the clock. Make Cincy play from behind. They lost 4 of their top 5 receivers from last year. Thoughts on the season and the team @cubsker ?

Buffalo certainly will have experience under center, lol. I had to look this up, but he is 25!! Henderson is back at RB after 1200+ last year. Again, I'd like to hear from @Marsski and @DOUBLEUP4LIFE on the Bulls. My previews show a very good DL, but does that hold up vs a P4 team? Minnesota is breaking in some new OL and that can be a mixed bag early. My first inclination here is a low-scoring game, especially the 1st half.

Wisconsin and Miami of Ohio feel like a 'watching the paint dry' kind of game. The Badgers identity has always been running the ball. Last season was quite the disappointment as they ran for their least amount of yards this century. The offense sucked as a whole. Billy Edwards has been in CFB for around 12 years now. I have always liked him at Maryland, and he was the key to a cover/non-cover in relief at Maryland. Tough kid who will fight for yards on the run and doesn't give up at any time. Luke has a bit of a target on his back if this team doesn't show some improvements this year. Simply a game I watch here unless an opportune under comes into on the live market.


Friday Night...


Western Michigan @ Michigan State -20.5 and 49.5

I will be brutally honest here -- there isn't a lot to be excited about right now in East Lansing. Now, the coach is solid. The problem is, he isn't going to win a lot of recruiting battles in the Midwest, and their NIL game isn't that great right now. I had heard from a credible source that they had a money guy, but that doesn't seem to be the case -- as of now. I do think Chiles improves a bit more this year. They had to corral him a bit later in the season as the turnovers were simply too big of an issue. Marsh is OUTSTANDING and will be a first-round pick. Big credit to him for not leaving. Most guys would. I really appreciate that he loves where he goes to school. The running backs are not good at all. Each line is average at best. I dunno, this is a 4-6 win team.

I do like this Friday night tradition on Labor Day weekend. Hopefully a good crowd, and we'll see if Aiden and Marsh can form a consistently explosive duo. That is on Chiles. Their chemistry was nice last year.

Western made a bowl last year but stumbled home. A lot of turnover via the portal as well. That's the new normal, unfortunately. Last year's defense gave up over 30 points 7 times. That needs to improve. The offense will need to run the ball as they figure out the QB position. This should be interesting, and a return to a bowl seems dicey!

Good game here for MSU to find their running back(s) and get Chiles into rhythm. I'll say, if they struggle on offense here then watch out!


Saturday Games....


Ball State @ Purdue -17.5 and 50.5

Nevada @ Penn State -44 and 56.5

Old Dominion @ Indiana -23.5 and 54.5

New Mexico @ Michigan -34.5 and 49.5

Florida Atlantic @ Maryland -14.5 and 59

Texas @ Ohio State -2.5 and 47.5

Colorado State @ Washington -22.5 and 54

UCLA vs Utah -6 and 51.5

Northwestern @ Tulane -5.5 and 46

Mizzou St @ USC -35 and 59.5



Alright, I am going to throw in some quick hitters here, as this conference is now a giant!

We have a standalone thread on OSU and Texas you can find HERE .

Check post #15 here for Purdue thoughts!!

I also hope we see @PaintCrew around for some Boilers thoughts! I know life is busy, but we will await his valued opinions.

I'll also defer to one @Timh for any and all Maryland Terrapins thoughts. Always check his thread for good articles, thoughts, and ANY total he posts!
Penn State is the team that has the easiest path to a playoff this year. Their locked opponents each year are a big advantage in ensuring playoff bids. That is how things are right now in this conference. They are not the only school that has a slight advantage. This season, they are an excellent team that will deserve a bid anyway. Veteran QB, nice running game, and an excellent defense. What holds them back? The coach and perhaps the QB in a big game setting. Franklin has been known for years for grabbing late covers for the betting fans during home games, but I feel like that happened less in 2024? Maybe it's just me. Anyways, this is the type of game that you might need the ole cover play. They'll roll from start to finish, but that's a hefty tariff to cover. A situational TT is around the only thing I would stalk here.

Talk to me about TULANE !! @twinkie13 . We need ya bud.

I see USC as an improved team this year. The DC addition could be what they really need to become competitive again on the national scene. Shall see. Mo State should be a nice warm-up for them. I feel like we have a graduate or two of Mo state!?

I'm interested to see what sort of bounce-back season Washington has. They lost a coach and a lot of vets after a championship game run last season. Demond has a lot of talent. I'd assume he has ups and downs early on as he takes on the position full-time. We have a great Huskies fan here in @jimmymo, and that's a thread you look to for plays and Huskies thoughts. Never discount a "bomb" play.

UCLA and Utah should be a fun game! I was very impressed last year with how hard the Bruins played for Coach Foster. I was a skeptic after fall camp about how he would lead this team. No more! That being said, he needs talent, and that takes some time. Well, one piece of pricey talent is in place. Nico! I feel like Nico leveled off quickly last season and never improved. I saw enough in the bowl game his freshman year to think he would become a damn good QB, but that also takes hard work. Maybe the change of scenery helps? New staff? We'll see. On the flip side, one of my favorite QBs last year is now playing on a higher level. We'll see quickly if Dampier can handle playing consistently against better competition.

This is a top 5 game for me to watch this weekend for a multitude of reasons -- and I likely won't be betting it at all.

I know you all skim-read this looking for UM thoughts -- soon enough -- I'll give my own quick preview a few posts down from here...

For now, let's start DISCUSSING!
 
A few other things...

Thanks AGAIN to everyone who contributes to this place every season and year-round!

You make this place!

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I do ask that you guys enter all the contests. We run 4 free ones each year that are easy and a lot of fun. One member is exempt (because he hates contests). This is free cash, and honestly, why not follow Pick Club stalwarts like @hubs89 and Underdog contest champs such as @scarf31 ? There are plenty more, but those two are consistently in the mix!

As always, if you are going to hit up an offshore book, please click on a banner for us. This can help us run more in-season contests and keep the sponsors happy with traffic.

Let's have a GREAT season, and this is my OFFICIAL Welcome to the 20th College Football Season here at CTG!!
 
Great stuff BAR, thanks for getting it started!

Few thoughts for W1 in B1G:
- Rutgers and Purdue should smash, looking at TTs maybe ladder one or both. Both Schiano and Odom will play 4 quarters against a lesser opponent in September and hang 40+ if they can. They should be able to do it against OU and Ball St respectively.
- I think this will be a good game for Wisky and their return to basics O. Miami often plays these payday games with an eye towards health for conference play. Not getting involved.
- Like Buffalo vs Gophers. Big spread with a low total. Fleck will lean on the running game and so will Bulls, and may actually be better at that than Minny at the moment given OL turnover for Gophers. Buffalo is experienced, has solid OL and running game, and defensively, my biggest concern with them is DBs allowing big plays - not expecting Gophers to test them much that way.
- Think Michigan beats UNM by a million after having to listen to everyone chirp about all the NCAA stuff the past month or so (and bear in mind, I'm OSU alum). They'll tell everyone to stfu for a couple of days Saturday afternoon.
- Like Cincy vs Nebraska. I know that the crowd will be decidedly pro-Huskers, but it's a tall order expecting UNL to cover a TD in a neutral given the complete turnover to their defensive front seven. Think it's a close game, Corn win and I'm glad to have the points in my pocket. I could see Nebraska taking a big step forward in Rhule Y3 but not expecting it all to happen in September.
- Think Sparty hangs somewhere in the 30s and WMU tops out at 7-10. Very little returning production for WMU and I'm higher on MSU this season than most, primarily because I'm a big believer in Jonathan Smith + Joe Rossi and think the D is much better in Y2 under Rossi.
- Won't be better Texas/OSU but can't wait to watch esp with Arch v Sayin debuts and Sark/CRD rematch. Lean under esp 1H but will just be on the emotional ML.
 
Few random tidbits.

We should be really good at WR. Barney is the holdover. Dane Key comes from Kentucky with his WR coach. Hunter transfers from Cal after a nice freshman season. Then they like the young guys as the subs, Neil Smith's kid, Ken Clark's kid, and the big one is Cortez Mills who was a top recruit.

I know they feel good about the interior on the OL. Spindler xfer from ND where he was starting a lot of the time. OT is the question mark - they appear to be starting guys who have been here awhile and who have been hurt a lot. They do have about 5 options there, including Pritchitt who was starting for Bama. I hear he's kind of got his head up his ass though, so we'll see.

Dana has been raving about Raiola. Hopefully he's not blowing smoke up our asses.

Johnson solid as our top RB, but none of the backups have really played.

DL starters are new but these guys have played a ton. Are they as good as Ty Robinson or Nash? Probably not, but they're competent players and then we add 5 star xfer from Missouri in Nwanneri who played a bit last year but redshirtted.

Bring in McCullough from OU to rush the passer. Return Shavers, Wright, and Willis McGahee's kid at LB.

Secondary is a lot of the same guys, which could be seen as good or could be seen as bad. Marshall xfers in from Idaho to take one CB spot. A couple of young guys as backups here too.

Ekeler returns to coach Spec Teams. Aussie punter brought in who he likes. Cant be any worse here as our spec teams have been riding the short bus for years. If Ek fixes it, that's a couple of more wins per year for us.

New DC Butler - think we'll be more aggressive and creative with blitzes. NFL guy, coached secondary last year.

Dana at OC now had time to implement his offense, so basically 3 new coordinators but 2 were at least here for some or all of last season.

If defense can at least only fall off a bit, offense should be significantly better. ST cant help but be better. If we can get through this game tomorrow, we should win 9 games.
 
Nebraska and Cincy fall into one of my best week one data plays. The line and total also indicate favorite weakness as well. These plays are generic and inside or strong information can trump the data.

Not many week 1 non home games qualify each season.

One big key for me in these closer lined games is the total. I don’t want to get involved with against strong offensive or strong defensive teams. The fact that the total here is lined at 51 is telling. It narrows the window for blowout points in most games and situations.

UCLA
COLO
AKRON
Cincy
Charlotte
Are the qualified teams strictly based upon site, lines, total and finally previous season wins.
 
What is the outlook on Oregon QB? They don't announce starters, is it Moore? Is he any good? 54% and 11-9 ratio at UCLA and only 49% completions as reserve here last year.

Montana State is going with the Stanford transfer Lamson (sub 50% there) and in somewhat of a surprise last year's #2 Wilson was beat out of the backup job by Duchien. New OC for MSU this year and supposedly they are going to pass more, not sure that is a good thing for them actually considering who they have at QB and what his prior performance has been. OL and DL remain elite among FCS peers and no better RB room in that subdivision. Large area of concern and unknowns at DB.
 
s--k said:
What is the outlook on Oregon QB? They don't announce starters, is it Moore? Is he any good? 54% and 11-9 ratio at UCLA and only 49% completions as reserve here last year.

Montana State is going with the Stanford transfer Lamson (sub 50% there) and in somewhat of a surprise last year's #2 Wilson was beat out of the backup job by Duchien. New OC for MSU this year and supposedly they are going to pass more, not sure that is a good thing for them actually considering who they have at QB and what his prior performance has been. OL and DL remain elite among FCS peers and no better RB room in that subdivision. Large area of concern and unknowns at DB.
Click to expand...
Here's my Dante Moore quick summary..

Star HS QB in the Detroit era.

Our old p.o.s. QB coach couldn't connect with him at all during recruiting and he ended up leaving town for UCLA. Money helped, as well.

He is very talented but was thrown to the wolves very quickly out in UCLA. The first three games he looked very solid and exactly what I had expected him to look like after following his HS career heavily..

Then they started playing PAC 12 teams and the noose tightened. No offensive line help to be honest and the sacks/interceptions piled up. Many will remember the Oregon State game for the disaster that it was ..


Screenshot_20250828-015637.png


Transferring and sitting on the bench learning was the best thing for Dante. He wasn't good enough to be starting that soon in college. They picked a good program to do that.


Dante threw 8 passes all of last year. He completed the first 7 and had one incompletion in the Rose Bowl. I'm not sure where that 49% number came from. Shrug. Actually, I think you saw his yards from last year.

Now, 2 years later, we're back to square one. Will he start? I don't know officially because Lanning doesn't release depth charts. I'd assume we see both guys in this first game.
 
cubsker said:
Few random tidbits.

We should be really good at WR. Barney is the holdover. Dane Key comes from Kentucky with his WR coach. Hunter transfers from Cal after a nice freshman season. Then they like the young guys as the subs, Neil Smith's kid, Ken Clark's kid, and the big one is Cortez Mills who was a top recruit.

I know they feel good about the interior on the OL. Spindler xfer from ND where he was starting a lot of the time. OT is the question mark - they appear to be starting guys who have been here awhile and who have been hurt a lot. They do have about 5 options there, including Pritchitt who was starting for Bama. I hear he's kind of got his head up his ass though, so we'll see.

Dana has been raving about Raiola. Hopefully he's not blowing smoke up our asses.

Johnson solid as our top RB, but none of the backups have really played.

DL starters are new but these guys have played a ton. Are they as good as Ty Robinson or Nash? Probably not, but they're competent players and then we add 5 star xfer from Missouri in Nwanneri who played a bit last year but redshirtted.

Bring in McCullough from OU to rush the passer. Return Shavers, Wright, and Willis McGahee's kid at LB.

Secondary is a lot of the same guys, which could be seen as good or could be seen as bad. Marshall xfers in from Idaho to take one CB spot. A couple of young guys as backups here too.

Ekeler returns to coach Spec Teams. Aussie punter brought in who he likes. Cant be any worse here as our spec teams have been riding the short bus for years. If Ek fixes it, that's a couple of more wins per year for us.

New DC Butler - think we'll be more aggressive and creative with blitzes. NFL guy, coached secondary last year.

Dana at OC now had time to implement his offense, so basically 3 new coordinators but 2 were at least here for some or all of last season.

If defense can at least only fall off a bit, offense should be significantly better. ST cant help but be better. If we can get through this game tomorrow, we should win 9 games.
Click to expand...
Great stuff Cub. Thanks.

I had forgotten that Spindler ended up at Nebraska. His recruitment was an interesting one we followed closely. He went to HS about 15 mins from myself at my High Schools biggest rival. So, he's been the enemy for some time.

I like your receivers.
 
spottie2935 said:
Nebraska and Cincy fall into one of my best week one data plays. The line and total also indicate favorite weakness as well. These plays are generic and inside or strong information can trump the data.

Not many week 1 non home games qualify each season.

One big key for me in these closer lined games is the total. I don’t want to get involved with against strong offensive or strong defensive teams. The fact that the total here is lined at 51 is telling. It narrows the window for blowout points in most games and situations.

UCLA
COLO
AKRON
Cincy
Charlotte
Are the qualified teams strictly based upon site, lines, total and finally previous season wins.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this Spottie.
 
BiffTFinancial said:
Great stuff BAR, thanks for getting it started!

Few thoughts for W1 in B1G:
- Rutgers and Purdue should smash, looking at TTs maybe ladder one or both. Both Schiano and Odom will play 4 quarters against a lesser opponent in September and hang 40+ if they can. They should be able to do it against OU and Ball St respectively.
- I think this will be a good game for Wisky and their return to basics O. Miami often plays these payday games with an eye towards health for conference play. Not getting involved.
- Like Buffalo vs Gophers. Big spread with a low total. Fleck will lean on the running game and so will Bulls, and may actually be better at that than Minny at the moment given OL turnover for Gophers. Buffalo is experienced, has solid OL and running game, and defensively, my biggest concern with them is DBs allowing big plays - not expecting Gophers to test them much that way.
- Think Michigan beats UNM by a million after having to listen to everyone chirp about all the NCAA stuff the past month or so (and bear in mind, I'm OSU alum). They'll tell everyone to stfu for a couple of days Saturday afternoon.
- Like Cincy vs Nebraska. I know that the crowd will be decidedly pro-Huskers, but it's a tall order expecting UNL to cover a TD in a neutral given the complete turnover to their defensive front seven. Think it's a close game, Corn win and I'm glad to have the points in my pocket. I could see Nebraska taking a big step forward in Rhule Y3 but not expecting it all to happen in September.
- Think Sparty hangs somewhere in the 30s and WMU tops out at 7-10. Very little returning production for WMU and I'm higher on MSU this season than most, primarily because I'm a big believer in Jonathan Smith + Joe Rossi and think the D is much better in Y2 under Rossi.
- Won't be better Texas/OSU but can't wait to watch esp with Arch v Sayin debuts and Sark/CRD rematch. Lean under esp 1H but will just be on the emotional ML.
Click to expand...
Jonathon Smith is an excellent coach.

I just don't see the talent there. I can't find anything more than 4-6 wins. BUT, good coaching will take you places so I'm definitely willing to listen/learn.

33-10 seems about right for Friday night in East Lansing the more I look at this.
 
I'll have my Mich and New Mexico write-up tomorrow evening.

Two straight night games to start the season is quite something.

Weather should be perfect.

Cannot wait!



Here's a New Mexico preview via a Mich site....



www.maizenbrew.com

Getting to know New Mexico ahead of Michigan’s season opener

New Mexico added a lot of talent via the transfer portal, but do the Lobos have enough firepower to make things interesting against Michigan?
www.maizenbrew.com www.maizenbrew.com



And I enjoyed this Mich preview...



www.offtackleempire.com

B1G 2025: Michigan Wolverines – Cocktail Party Season Preview

B1G 2025: Michigan Football Preview
www.offtackleempire.com www.offtackleempire.com
 
Last edited:
@B.A.R.

Thanks for info on Moore. So the switch to Oregon and time on the sideline watching, practice, film, should all be good for him is the expectation with a better OL in front of him. The 49% comes from Phil Steele's preview, one of many errors/misprints I am sure unfortunately.
 
B.A.R. said:
I'll have my Mich and New Mexico write-up tomorrow evening.

Two straight night games to start the season is quite something.

Weather should be perfect.

Cannot wait!



Here's a New Mexico preview via a Mich site....



www.maizenbrew.com

Getting to know New Mexico ahead of Michigan’s season opener

New Mexico added a lot of talent via the transfer portal, but do the Lobos have enough firepower to make things interesting against Michigan?
www.maizenbrew.com www.maizenbrew.com



And I enjoyed this Mich preview...



www.offtackleempire.com

B1G 2025: Michigan Wolverines – Cocktail Party Season Preview

B1G 2025: Michigan Football Preview
www.offtackleempire.com www.offtackleempire.com
Click to expand...
That maizenbrew article is pumping up New Mexico. Yes, O-line inexperienced and productive transfers all FCS material. They make it sound like Randolph Kpai just transfered from Neb and had 80 tackles last yr at Neb. He transfered before 2024 and had no stats at Neb in 2 yrs there. And last years upset victories a whole different team and staff.

This is a double-frosted cupcake coming to Ann Arbor.
 
That Michigan preview was pretty good. But what I found really telling was the two words that were missing, "Wide Receiver". Most every position mentioned except wr.
 
Worst o-line UNM has fielded in the 25+ years. That's what my buddy said as he's making the journey to the Big House. He'll be wearing the Sombrero.

I just don't know how UNM scores on offense. The program is a total potpourri of shit right now. I like Eck has a hire, but there's just nothing left after Bronco headed back to be with his own kind in Logan.

I played a juiced tt under 7.5.
 
V.K. said:
That Michigan preview was pretty good. But what I found really telling was the two words that were missing, "Wide Receiver". Most every position mentioned except wr.
Click to expand...
Big time.

That's the issue that concerns them the most.
 
CPA-hole said:
Worst o-line UNM has fielded in the 25+ years. That's what my buddy said as he's making the journey to the Big House. He'll be wearing the Sombrero.

I just don't know how UNM scores on offense. The program is a total potpourri of shit right now. I like Eck has a hire, but there's just nothing left after Bronco headed back to be with his own kind in Logan.

I played a juiced tt under 7.5.
Click to expand...
Appreciate this bud
 
spottie2935 said:
Nebraska and Cincy fall into one of my best week one data plays. The line and total also indicate favorite weakness as well. These plays are generic and inside or strong information can trump the data.

Not many week 1 non home games qualify each season.

One big key for me in these closer lined games is the total. I don’t want to get involved with against strong offensive or strong defensive teams. The fact that the total here is lined at 51 is telling. It narrows the window for blowout points in most games and situations.

UCLA
COLO
AKRON
Cincy
Charlotte
Are the qualified teams strictly based upon site, lines, total and finally previous season wins.
Click to expand...

I wanted to like Cincy but I’ve never cared for Satterfield as a coach, I think their strength is probably run game which I have doubts they can gain lot of traction against huskers, and I just trust rhule in his 3rd season not to come out and look bad w his qb now having a season under his belt. The fact the line stuck on 6.5 certainly gives me some concern but I couldn’t help myself I took a little -6.5. At least one of us be happy! Lol
 
B.A.R. said:
Live -- Rutgers 1h tt o19.5 -137


I don't have a thread started yet, so I'll pop this here.

I wanted to stalk Rutgers TTs and thought this kicked at 7pm est. Nope. But with that FG, I can get in the action.
Click to expand...
Adding

2h Boise State -3.5 -110

8 cents cheaper than game ML right now
 
Time to discuss those Michigan Wolverines!

I know you all love them (to hate them...) and we'll take an objective look at Team #146...

Last year was an emotional rollercoaster as that team had a championship letdown and featured one of their worst offenses in ages. The QB position was putrid, and the fact that they got into bowl contention seems almost miraculous when you think about it. The defense had some trouble adjusting to Wink early on as well...

Now, the end of the season was terrific. To walk into Columbus as a 23+ point underdog and beat a 20 million dollar team was quite remarkable. I'll admit I thought there was zero chance they would even stay within single digits, let alone win the game. The defense, though, came around the last month+ and they hung around until the 4th and made just enough plays on offense to get out of there with a win.

The bonus was beating the brakes off Bama in the bowl game. I understand that was a lesser bowl game for the Tide, but their offense was just smothered by UM. I almost lost a fortune on that game but adjusted live to take a smaller loss (thankfully).
During the 2nd half of the season, the big rumors inside the recruiting community were that the Wolverines were suddenly back into the Bryce Underwood sweepstakes. I've followed this kid since 8th grade and was disappointed that his recruitment had gotten away. There was one factor that went into last year's QB issues and the BU recruitment when he verballed to LSU. Thank goodness that p.o.s. will soon do hard time. Anyways, with an assist from a big money guys wife, Michigan fully entered the NIL era and BU came home.

Bryce Underwood --

Great kid, who is smart and wise beyond his years. I would be giving this same write-up if he were down in Baton Rouge. With that being said, he won't be an instant star. This is still rare in CFB. Remember, Tua never started a game his frosh year. Trevor Lawrence came on quickly, but that is a rare instance.

I expect that Michigan will play things very vanilla the first half of the season. They have no depth at QB and letting Bryce run a lot is a recipe for disaster. I think 3-7 runs a game will be the norm. Next year, you'll see more.
Bryce is said to make mistakes, but learns from them quickly. We'll live with that.

Wide Receivers --

This is a rough spot, again. McCulley is in from Indiana and will be the main guy. He has looked good this spring and summer. Semaj is back and I think he'll benefit from BU being behind center. The 3rd spot seems pretty fluid.

Tight end --

Loveland went to the Bears, and that's a big hole to fill. Michigan has recruited TE very well the last decade or so, but they'll be missing that true playmaker. Hogan Hansen is injured for now, and he's the closest to a playmaker. The others are all excellent players, but won't be stretching the field.

Running Backs --

It might be the best duo in the conference. Marshall came on strong in that bowl game and has been a personal favorite for a while. Adding Haynes in free agency was brilliant. This is a loaded position, and I couldn't be happier with a young QB at the helm.

Offensive line --

Last year was tough, as they lost a lot from three years of Joe Moore award-type lines. They only started to gel later in the year. Some of the decisions were puzzling, but that's part of the growth of a young coach and new staff. Plus, we're armchair QBs, ya know? They seem to be gelling in the summer camp, but we'll see.

Defense --

This defense has the potential to be truly exceptional. The front 4 is DEEP, and despite the lack of household names, you're going to know about many of them sooner rather than later. The linebackers should be MUCH better. They were a bit lost in the new system last year and took the longest time to adjust, imo. The secondary has a lot of talent. My worry is depth and finding the right combos. They'll be helped by that DL though.

I'll get more into the defense later tonight or tomorrow -- have a draft to run to soon but wanted to get some of the write-up done as promised...

Season prediction --

I think 8-4 to 10-2 is in play. The final tally of 9-3 is an easy cop-out, but that is what I'll be happy with. Tough road games in the first half @ Oklahoma and USC will be nice measuring sticks. Michigan has struggled out west for decades -- that is part of my thought process -- plus USC should be improved. The lack of a true back-up QB is what could make or break this season. If the OL is above average, we'll see them be able to grind out many a game.

Bonus: Chip Lindsey

This OC is a guy many of the fans hated when the hire happened. Once the dust settled, some common sense came into play. We might not see his influence all the time this year, but in the next few years, watch and see what he does with BU and helps this smash mouth offense diversify. This should be a lot of fun, especially in '26 and '27. You'll see glimpses this year. My opinion is that they stay vanilla for a lot of the season. We'll probably see a bit more 'fun' later in the season.
 
B.A.R. said:
Live -- Rutgers 1h tt o19.5 -137


I don't have a thread started yet, so I'll pop this here.

I wanted to stalk Rutgers TTs and thought this kicked at 7pm est. Nope. But with that FG, I can get in the action.
Click to expand...
I pondered 2h over but wanted to see a few series. The Rutgers defense isn't helping the offense. Keep the gas on the peddle!

Live -- Rutgers tt o44.5 -105
 
B.A.R. said:
Minnesota -14.5 -111 live

Seen enough

Hope for a lucky middle.
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We're in mid season form of Reno buying off likely winners.

Gotta love it.

I'll have some big ten opening night thoughts up tomorrow at lunch time.

Interesting night and we've learned quite a bit.
 
A lot to fix. Not a promising start. Much better to win though. Two creampuffs to get things fixed. Cincy really not all that good at all.
 
cubsker said:
A lot to fix. Not a promising start. Much better to win though. Two creampuffs to get things fixed. Cincy really not all that good at all.
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I thought the same as you. Now, at least Nebby on the right side of these when before in past years Cinci WR is grabbing that ball in the EZ.
A lot to work on as you said
 
Sorry I missed MAC talk this week. I promise to be more helpful in the future. (How about my Chips with the W last night. NIce to have in the pocket for the Over 5.5 WINS season bet. San Jose you need a kicker).

I know everyone is talking about the big matchup today: Albany @ Iowa. CyHawk is next week so I would think Iowa would be buttoned up and showing nothing once they get up a few scores. Albanys presumed QB starter got hurt (According to my guy from the Valley who knows FCS @s--k ) and I wouldnt think they score more than once.. I took the UNDAH 50.5. I think this has 34-3 written all over it. Good luck to us if you play it with me.
 
I'll have some final Mich/ UNM thoughts around 630 Eastern and perhaps a bet.

Quick lawn mow and be back.

Any additional thoughts @CPA-hole ?
 
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