B1G Week 2

HUNT

HUNT

CTG Partner
Staff member
There's a fuck ton of games this week my goodness.

Western Illinois @ Northwestern-Tickets going for $55 at the minimum. Who the fuck would pay that for this game?

Northern Illinois @ Maryland-Tickets as low as 6 bucks to see this one. Maryland QB look good? Didn't see any of it.

FIU@ Penn State-Another cupcake game for the fighting pedos for 13 bucks

Illinois @Duke- I like this Illinois squad. 29 bucks

Kennesaw State @ Indiana tickets at 25 bucks. Maybe you'll run into fadethehype there.

Iowa @ Iowa State-This is one thing in the midst of all the corn fields the whole state looks forward to all year. 130 bones

Northwestern State @ Minnesota-20 bucks gets you in

Grambling @ OSU- 41 bucks to witness a massacre.

Oklahoma State @ Oregon- The dante beef stew Moore show is here for 33 bucks

Miami Ohio @ Rutgers-25 bucks to get in SHI stadium

MTSU @ Wisconsin-13 bjs and you're in

Michigan @ Oklahoma-game day will be here without Corso. $299 tarfiff.

Akron @ Nebraska-65 bongos to watch Pat Mahomes wanna be

Georgia Southern @ USC-16 dollars to see USC score 70+ again

Boston College@ MSU-44 dollars for maybe a good game imo

Southern Illinois @ Purdue-6 bucks to see the Boilers cook

UCLA@ UNLV-60 bucks to see this one

And finally, we have............



UC DAVIS@ WASHINGTON-9 dollars to see some exciting football.
 
What did anyone think of Purdue? Many around here were on Purdue in that game. I am high on Southern Illinois this year. FCS-FBS games can be tricky, 2 of the ones I liked last week were shutout (SFA and SLU). Southern Illinois is Missouri Valley, were playoff team 2 years ago and have maybe the most underrated QB in the FCS because he was injured in game #3 last year (big dual threat). They only played a Dll last week, so not sure exactly what this year's edition will look like, but I think they are going to do well vs most of the MVFC this year. Current HC Hill led his team to beat NIU 2023 and Northwestern 2022. Hung with K State 2021. Just to show they don't normally get blown out by FBS, although they did lose at BYU by 28 to open '24.
 
s--k said:
What did anyone think of Purdue? Many around here were on Purdue in that game. I am high on Southern Illinois this year. FCS-FBS games can be tricky, 2 of the ones I liked last week were shutout (SFA and SLU). Southern Illinois is Missouri Valley, were playoff team 2 years ago and have maybe the most underrated QB in the FCS because he was injured in game #3 last year (big dual threat). They only played a Dll last week, so not sure exactly what this year's edition will look like, but I think they are going to do well vs most of the MVFC this year. Current HC Hill led his team to beat NIU 2023 and Northwestern 2022. Hung with K State 2021. Just to show they don't normally get blown out by FBS, although they did lose at BYU by 28 to open '24.
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Wish I could help but can't. We have some Purdue guys here though.
 
Appeal denied.

I guess they changed targeting rules again? I I missed that one.

Major loss for first half.
 
I'm going to pop this in here @HUNT regarding last year's BC and MSU game....



Screenshot_20250902-002854.png



BC scored with 88 seconds left. Chiles was picked off in the RZ to end the game.

BC twice was stopped inside the MSU ten with ZERO points.

Yes, rain was a factor.
 
Monger said:
Either of you gents heading down to Norman? @HUNT @B.A.R. ?
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Back to this...

I know a lot of people heading out there later this week for the game. A nice contingent will be in attendance. One of my good friends transferred to Oklahoma for work and is very excited to be there. He is sooner bred, but went to UM. A true conundrum.

The atmosphere should be electric!
 
Alright,

Some quick hitters from last weekend...

This conference is so big now that I will keep it to a handful...

1. Rutgers defense was my concern coming into the game and they did nothing to alleviate that. That was much like last season...

2. Michigan State did their job but I wouldn't be feeling all warm and fuzzy up in East Lansing. The trenches are not great...

3. Good start to the season for Ohio State. Fatty Matt did a very nice job on defense. I'd imagine he spent a lot of time this summer on this game. The offense wasn't inspiring at all --- but not they have true warm-up games...

4. Indy accumulated over 500 yards and controlled the ball for 41 mins!!

5. Who's this QB for the Terps?

6. Iowa averaged 3.0 yards per pass vs Albany.

7. I like USC this year and was trying to grab a TT after the early deficit but timing is everything! The offense was crispy!

8. Nico had 183 of the 220 yards for UCLA. Not great Bob!

9. Washington was a live cash cow for me -- and the RB's were so good. The defense wasn't up to par though...

Lastly, New Mexico and Michigan was a very odd game. The final score was somewhat misleading. The cause and effect theory here...

Bottom line is, they missed the replay on an pass called complete for New Mexico in the 3rd. That was one that is overturned 9.9 out of 10 times yet nary a review. Bad on the officials and bad on Michigan there. Of course they scored a TD there. In my estimation this was a 41-13 kind of game. Either way, New Mexico was the correct side ATS.

The GOOD for Michigan:

-Bryce Underwood was damn good for a first start. He just turned 18 two weeks ago. There were a few passes forced but he already is solid at progressions. He also was gaining touch on those bullets as the game went on. Highly impressive!

-Justice Haynes is our breakaway threat! He'll rush for over 1000 this year and is a great team guy.

-Marlin Klein led the team in receiving. The insiders said he couldn't be a consistent threat in the passing game but he proved them wrong. He and Hogan Hansen can be a very fun tandem once the other is healthy.

-Bredeson is the type of guy you want on every team!

-Zero turnovers on offense

-Best kicker in the country

-Run defense was hella good!


The BAD for Michigan:

-The OL wasn't consistently opening holes for the run game

-Take away the two big Justice runs (59 and 56) and the Wolverines had 30 carries for 86 yards

-Pass defense wasn't consistent. Some fundamental breakdowns plus penalties. They were not bad, but simply average. This needs to be shored up pretty quickly with John Mateer on deck!

-Allowed 2 conversions on 4th down

-Special teams outside the placekicker were not good at all, including a fumble.


All in all, a win is a win and no huge injuries occured. This is still a building year for the next two seasons and there was A LOT to like with QB1 back there. Very exciting times. As I said to Hunt a few hours before the game -- enjoy the growing pains this year and the reward will be the next few years.

*Random note -- peak that schedule next year!!
 
B.A.R. said:
Alright,

Some quick hitters from last weekend...

This conference is so big now that I will keep it to a handful...

1. Rutgers defense was my concern coming into the game and they did nothing to alleviate that. That was much like last season...

2. Michigan State did their job but I wouldn't be feeling all warm and fuzzy up in East Lansing. The trenches are not great...

3. Good start to the season for Ohio State. Fatty Matt did a very nice job on defense. I'd imagine he spent a lot of time this summer on this game. The offense wasn't inspiring at all --- but not they have true warm-up games...

4. Indy accumulated over 500 yards and controlled the ball for 41 mins!!

5. Who's this QB for the Terps?

6. Iowa averaged 3.0 yards per pass vs Albany.

7. I like USC this year and was trying to grab a TT after the early deficit but timing is everything! The offense was crispy!

8. Nico had 183 of the 220 yards for UCLA. Not great Bob!

9. Washington was a live cash cow for me -- and the RB's were so good. The defense wasn't up to par though...

Lastly, New Mexico and Michigan was a very odd game. The final score was somewhat misleading. The cause and effect theory here...

Bottom line is, they missed the replay on an pass called complete for New Mexico in the 3rd. That was one that is overturned 9.9 out of 10 times yet nary a review. Bad on the officials and bad on Michigan there. Of course they scored a TD there. In my estimation this was a 41-13 kind of game. Either way, New Mexico was the correct side ATS.

The GOOD for Michigan:

-Bryce Underwood was damn good for a first start. He just turned 18 two weeks ago. There were a few passes forced but he already is solid at progressions. He also was gaining touch on those bullets as the game went on. Highly impressive!

-Justice Haynes is our breakaway threat! He'll rush for over 1000 this year and is a great team guy.

-Marlin Klein led the team in receiving. The insiders said he couldn't be a consistent threat in the passing game but he proved them wrong. He and Hogan Hansen can be a very fun tandem once the other is healthy.

-Bredeson is the type of guy you want on every team!

-Zero turnovers on offense

-Best kicker in the country

-Run defense was hella good!


The BAD for Michigan:

-The OL wasn't consistently opening holes for the run game

-Take away the two big Justice runs (59 and 56) and the Wolverines had 30 carries for 86 yards

-Pass defense wasn't consistent. Some fundamental breakdowns plus penalties. They were not bad, but simply average. This needs to be shored up pretty quickly with John Mateer on deck!

-Allowed 2 conversions on 4th down

-Special teams outside the placekicker were not good at all, including a fumble.


All in all, a win is a win and no huge injuries occured. This is still a building year for the next two seasons and there was A LOT to like with QB1 back there. Very exciting times. As I said to Hunt a few hours before the game -- enjoy the growing pains this year and the reward will be the next few years.

*Random note -- peak that schedule next year!!
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I know you alluded this a bit re: UM...but, I thought that pass defense was atrocious at times. Really sloppy on defense but it was the first game. For those of you that did not watch, Michigan runs a much more uptempo, "modern" offense than you are used to. They play fast, and it definitely fits to how Bryce Underwood likes to run the O. If that kid stays healthy he will be very, very good and a definite Heisman contender in a year.
 
I'll pop in at lunch tomorrow with some big ten thoughts on this week's games. I've hit a wall tonight but figured a few quick hitters...

Nice game in East Lansing. Two straight years with a primetime game in this series. Should be a chilly one! That's relative to average temps.

Illinois ML is definitely on my radar. These are the games a Bert led team wins, albeit ugly and low scoring. Indians isn't for two weeks, so no lookahead.

Dante Moore looked real solid, numbers wise last year. I'm happy the hometown boy did this the right way. Found a situation he liked, sat and watched a year, and now coming into his own. Hopefully. We'll know more after this match. Despite the 4 TD spread this is still a big boy school.

I'll likely have a totals play in Norman -- more on that tomorrow --

Grambling State? C'mon lol.

We'll have to converse with @s--k and company on the FCS games...

Back at lunch..
 
Did not know.

Ferentz can become the all-time winningest coach in conference history with a win on Saturday. 206 wins. Hayes, 205. A tribute to longevity, gotta give him that.
 
B.A.R. said:
Back to this...

I know a lot of people heading out there later this week for the game. A nice contingent will be in attendance. One of my good friends transferred to Oklahoma for work and is very excited to be there. He is sooner bred, but went to UM. A true conundrum.

The atmosphere should be electric!
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It will be. OU also expanded their tailgating, so should be a great time leading up to kickoff.
 
Hunt, you may have explained this before but don’t go into the weekend already knowing which games you’re going to play live?
 
wiseplayer said:
Hunt, you may have explained this before but don’t go into the weekend already knowing which games you’re going to play live?
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Sometimes I do, this week, sort of. I will definitely be avoiding the teams who had tough week 1's like Texas, OSU etc. and teams who have look aheads. Guess that narrows it a little. Probably a very light card for me. Sept 13 should be much bigger. Like nothing at the moment besides maybe MSU, but confidence level about a 6.
 
HUNT said:
Sometimes I do, this week, sort of. I will definitely be avoiding the teams who had tough week 1's like Texas, OSU etc. and teams who have look aheads. Guess that narrows it a little. Probably a very light card for me. Sept 13 should be much bigger. Like nothing at the moment besides maybe MSU, but confidence level about a 6.
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That was supposed to say, but do you go into the weekend. Not sure how that happened but you answered it. Thanks.
 
I'm actively searching for a teaser partner for Michigan +12.5.....might have to go to the NFL for a good match.

Thanks for all you do here brother!
 
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Rusty Trombone said:
I'm actively searching for a teaser partner for Michigan +12.5.....might have to go to the NFL for a good match.

Thanks for all you do here brother!
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Michigan State imo, but you would be crossing the 0. GL Rusty, good to see ya.
 
Grambling State? C'mon lol.

We'll have to converse with @s--k and company on the FCS games...
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Regarding Grambling, I wonder if a team has ever been a 40+ favorite and a 40+ dog the following week? Not like OSU fans have any say in scheduling, but Ohio State to schedule them is awful. On the other hand $1 million bucks is a big deal for Grambling. These two teams should really not be playing, kind of embarrassing scheduling on the Buckeye's part.
 
s--k said:
Regarding Grambling, I wonder if a team has ever been a 40+ favorite and a 40+ dog the following week? Not like OSU fans have any say in scheduling, but Ohio State to schedule them is awful. On the other hand $1 million bucks is a big deal for Grambling. These two teams should really not be playing, kind of embarrassing scheduling on the Buckeye's part.
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LSU has done it, in state. Kinda damned if you do/don’t. This is the one topic they don’t talk enough about.
 
As for other FBS - FCS games, once the season starts, it actually gets harder for me because I am not watching or following any FBS teams. I can say right now, I have literally no clue what happened in Northwestern's game week 1.

But for Western Illinois, under their current coach in year 2 now, their O was and should still be much improved over 2023-prior years. I say should because they lost a record breaking QB, he was only a record breaking QB because of the offense that this coach brought in. They are going with the 2024 backup QB to lead them this year and while I did not watch the game on peacock, it doesn't look like Irvin was bad necessarily vs Illinois. No Ints, but he did lose a fumble. 48% completions, granted, it was going to be struggle vs Illinois and it was his first start. I would think this O can operate a little better vs NW, but at the same time it could be limited just as Eastern Illinois was vs NW last year. EIU had 207y (4.1ypp) and had 3 good drives, but only netted one TD (blk'd FG and SOD the other two). EIU ended up having an awful season. They were held below 20 pts in 5 FCS games. By contract the WIU O scored over 30 pts in 7 FCS games. So WIU O should have more potential on O compared to what EIU brought to the table last year.

WIU is just so overmatched at both OL and DL, that's an issue. And D overall, they are bad, and don't look to be much better this year.

Northwestern has a very poor record ATS vs FCS. If I had to pick I would probably take the pts and hope WIU O has some success and historically NW O doesn't do much in these games. 31-7, 23-20, 24-31, 7-9, 27-0, 24-7, 35-21 those are their FCS games since 2013. They did beat UMass 45-6 on year and UMass is kind of like an FCS team.
 
twinkie13 said:
LSU has done it, in state. Kinda damned if you do/don’t. This is the one topic they don’t talk enough about.
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I thought the Big Ten had some kind of thing that they weren't going to schedule FCS anymore. Maybe that is something the front office says to make it look like 'we are upping the compeition, no more FCS games' and then everyone still plays FCS games. The FCS schools do really need the money.

I will say, keep it in state, or regional. When LSU plays Grambling, it's like eye roll or whatever, but it's local. Ohio State has played YSU. They could play Dayton or I think if it is an instate situation I tend to complain less about it and I think it is more defendable from the administration's standpoint as well because they can always just fall back on the "we want to help out other instate schools" and most people will be like ok whatever I guess that is admirable.
 
s--k said:
As for other FBS - FCS games, once the season starts, it actually gets harder for me because I am not watching or following any FBS teams. I can say right now, I have literally no clue what happened in Northwestern's game week 1.

But for Western Illinois, under their current coach in year 2 now, their O was and should still be much improved over 2023-prior years. I say should because they lost a record breaking QB, he was only a record breaking QB because of the offense that this coach brought in. They are going with the 2024 backup QB to lead them this year and while I did not watch the game on peacock, it doesn't look like Irvin was bad necessarily vs Illinois. No Ints, but he did lose a fumble. 48% completions, granted, it was going to be struggle vs Illinois and it was his first start. I would think this O can operate a little better vs NW, but at the same time it could be limited just as Eastern Illinois was vs NW last year. EIU had 207y (4.1ypp) and had 3 good drives, but only netted one TD (blk'd FG and SOD the other two). EIU ended up having an awful season. They were held below 20 pts in 5 FCS games. By contract the WIU O scored over 30 pts in 7 FCS games. So WIU O should have more potential on O compared to what EIU brought to the table last year.

WIU is just so overmatched at both OL and DL, that's an issue. And D overall, they are bad, and don't look to be much better this year.

Northwestern has a very poor record ATS vs FCS. If I had to pick I would probably take the pts and hope WIU O has some success and historically NW O doesn't do much in these games. 31-7, 23-20, 24-31, 7-9, 27-0, 24-7, 35-21 those are their FCS games since 2013. They did beat UMass 45-6 on year and UMass is kind of like an FCS team.
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I watched every play of Northwestern vs Tulane. I’m shocked to see the line that high…NW has some big dudes. Tulane worked around it but you would think NW would have some kind of bounceback game…it was an ugly performance last week Uptown.
 
s--k said:
I thought the Big Ten had some kind of thing that they weren't going to schedule FCS anymore. Maybe that is something the front office says to make it look like 'we are upping the compeition, no more FCS games' and then everyone still plays FCS games. The FCS schools do really need the money.

I will say, keep it in state, or regional. When LSU plays Grambling, it's like eye roll or whatever, but it's local. Ohio State has played YSU. They could play Dayton or I think if it is an instate situation I tend to complain less about it and I think it is more defendable from the administration's standpoint as well because they can always just fall back on the "we want to help out other instate schools" and most people will be like ok whatever I guess that is admirable.
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I agree. I think you keep it in state at least on some rotation…the schools need the money and believe me, a kid playing at SELA DREAMS of playing at Tiger stadium, etc.
Same in other states, I’m sure.

And honestly, a game like LA Tech @ LSU is good for the state as well.

It’s just a necessity in my opinion
 
HUNT said:
I know you alluded this a bit re: UM...but, I thought that pass defense was atrocious at times. Really sloppy on defense but it was the first game. For those of you that did not watch, Michigan runs a much more uptempo, "modern" offense than you are used to. They play fast, and it definitely fits to how Bryce Underwood likes to run the O. If that kid stays healthy he will be very, very good and a definite Heisman contender in a year.
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Yep, Chip Lindsey is the addition we all needed as UM fans.

He's a perfect medium between a wide open offense and the manball Big Ten Championship teams.

This offense in 2026 and 2027 will be so versatile. We'll receive glimpses more and more as this season progresses. Last week was a nice snapshot into the future!

The pass defense definitely wasn't great last week. Understanding assignments is crucial. Also, as solid as the pass rush say, they need more to help out that backend. I have a feeling that Wink defenses will continue to progress to the better side as the season goes on.

Huge test tomorrow night!

I'm a big Mateer guy, but this is also his first huge game! They played one top 25 team last year and that was Boise. The final was 45-24 to the losing side, but Mateer was highly effecting (300+ on 70%). We'll see what Wink has in store!

This is a big game for Sherrone, as an OU alum. I'd expect they spent some extra time this summer prepping for this match. Just a hunch.

Back to the offense of Michigan... Tempo last week was their best drives. Running clock can still be applied with tempo. There is a nice delicate balance there. The key will be finding holes in the run game. Last week was unacceptable, other than the few huge gains.

WOTS is there might be a skill position player with a minor injury. Stay tuned on that.
 
s--k said:
I thought the Big Ten had some kind of thing that they weren't going to schedule FCS anymore. Maybe that is something the front office says to make it look like 'we are upping the compeition, no more FCS games' and then everyone still plays FCS games. The FCS schools do really need the money.

I will say, keep it in state, or regional. When LSU plays Grambling, it's like eye roll or whatever, but it's local. Ohio State has played YSU. They could play Dayton or I think if it is an instate situation I tend to complain less about it and I think it is more defendable from the administration's standpoint as well because they can always just fall back on the "we want to help out other instate schools" and most people will be like ok whatever I guess that is admirable.
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BIG Ten, Barry Alvarez, said in 2013 they would transition to not scheduling these FCS games.

A handful of years later, with the 9 game schedule, these came back in order to ensure enough home games for revenue. These were supposed to only be used for teams that receive 4 of 9 home games in conference.

*This is what I have summoned from various readings

I'm not sure about current policy moving forward but I also thought this was changing.

Personally, I have no issue with the schools like UM/OSU (for example) playing an in-state school at home with the payday. Maybe even a school within the region (say OSU vs WMU and UM vs Bowling Green). That's great for the kids in the region to play at The Big House or the Shoe who weren't good enough to be recruited to those teams.

Why Grambling? Dunno. The coach and players know they are overmatched. I can't imagine OSU was scrambling for an opponent, but you never know!

Hopefully as we continue the transformation into the CFB Playoffs era we can have more of a set schedule theme. Unbeaten seasons will be much more rare. The goal now is to have a good resume to be selected.

The simple way for myself...

- Nine Conference Games
-One ooc power 4 opponent home
-One ooc power 4 opponent away
-One regional non-power 4 at home.
 
Maryland is an interesting team.

Northern Illinois pounded out 49 rush attempts tonight!! But, take away that 74 yard TD run and these guys ran 48 times for 106 yards. That's wild!!
 
Quick hits for tomorrow...

Not much action in conference for myself at this point...

I agree PSU will try and grab a cover late if possible. That's about all I have there. With this soft schedule thee games are all about working on the bigger picture.

Illinois and Duke is a tougher. Two good veteran QBs here and as much as I despise him, Bert teams are tough on defense. I think this is a tight one and if you like Illinois, I suggest ML. This could be a 1-2 point game.

Take the points in CyHawk, right? I'll just enjoy a great rivalry!

Indians and Minnesota, pass.

Back to OSU and Grambling -- good game to get the young QB Sayin some work in. In fact, the entire offense.

Respected cappers at CTG on Rutgers. I'm not a fan of the defense but as Biff points out -- this is the perfect opponent to get well on that side.

I want to watch several Oregon offensive drives to grab a better look at Dante at the helm. This could be a live TT stalk in all honesty.

Wisconsin looked pretty boring last week. Now, they have a paltry mtsu team to notch another win. Will the offense show more life? You'd hope. The biggest thing here is they have ALABAMA next week!

We'll talk more about the primetime games tomorrow afternoon...

MSU
Michigan
USC

The Trojans are a stalk for sure with regards to totals.
 
Small pregame play on Bryce Underwood over 10.5 rushing yards

Don't like anything much pregame today. GL all.
 
Alright,

I see the line has settled at Oklahoma -4 and 44.

Nothing here I can add or any random plays for now...

Injuries a concern.

Cliche, but this is a trenches game.

Michigan DL must be the best unit tonight to have a chance. That'll mean they make Mateer uncomfortable.

Hopefully the OL can be better in the run game this week.

Bryce on the road, just turned 18 -- Imma just enjoy it win/lose or draw.

I do have the bet from the summer that I'll potentially toy with.

I'm not involved with any other Big Ten stuff...

ECXEPT USC TTs and stalks !
 
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