Early Football Mags are out

[scarletred]

Athlon and Sporting News have hit the stands first. Both mags have Iowa winning the West( big surprise)Athlon has Nebraska finishing 2nd and STN has Nebraska 3rd.

Athlon gives Nebraska a 8-4 record 6-3 in conference STN does not predict a record for the Huskers.STN didn't get the memo that Greg McMullin & Kevin Williams are no longer on the team, obviously these mags that come out early go to the presses with out being proof read.

Bowl Projections both have Nebraska playing in the Pinstripe bowl.Surely us Nebraska fans are looking for better game to play in then the Pinstripe. I would at least like to play in the Outback or Tax Slayer( Gator)bowl if we can finish 9-3.

Bowl notes: The Citrus bowl will be played on Dec 31 and the Outback and Gator bowls are on Jan 2nd.

 

[red rover 70]

Athlon and Sporting News have hit the stands first. Both mags have Iowa winning the West( big surprise)Athlon has Nebraska finishing 2nd and STN has Nebraska 3rd.

Athlon gives Nebraska a 8-4 record 6-3 in conference STN does not predict a record for the Huskers.STN didn't get the memo that Greg McMullin & Kevin Williams are no longer on the team, obviously these mags that come out early go to the presses with out being proof read.

Bowl Projections both have Nebraska playing in the Pinstripe bowl.Surely us Nebraska fans are looking for better game to play in then the Pinstripe. I would at least like to play in the Outback or Tax Slayer( Gator)bowl if we can finish 9-3.

Bowl notes: The Citrus bowl will be played on Dec 31 and the Outback and Gator bowls are on Jan 2nd.

Thanks for the update scarlet.

 

[Truehuskerfan]

Preseason magazines are based so much on the previous season. That's why everybody will pick Iowa to win the division. Of course anybody who has followed Iowa knows that they are very up and down. I'd be surprised if they won the division again and absolutely shocked if they did even close to as good as they did last year.

 

[Huskers_Rule]

Athlon and Sporting News have hit the stands first. Both mags have Iowa winning the West( big surprise)Athlon has Nebraska finishing 2nd and STN has Nebraska 3rd.

Athlon gives Nebraska a 8-4 record 6-3 in conference STN does not predict a record for the Huskers.STN didn't get the memo that Greg McMullin & Kevin Williams are no longer on the team, obviously these mags that come out early go to the presses with out being proof read.

Bowl Projections both have Nebraska playing in the Pinstripe bowl.Surely us Nebraska fans are looking for better game to play in then the Pinstripe. I would at least like to play in the Outback or Tax Slayer( Gator)bowl if we can finish 9-3.

Bowl notes: The Citrus bowl will be played on Dec 31 and the Outback and Gator bowls are on Jan 2nd.

Iowa will not win the West. Things broke well for them last year and breaks tend to even out. We were better than them last year except for the all important turn over factor. I say we win the West and lose again to Ohio State in the title game. Just better chemistry and comfort level with the new schemes will pay dividends for us. I love Ozigbo and think our run game will be pretty salty with him. I think the coaches are looking to cater to TA's strengths and the team's strengths more than they were a year ago. Play action will be a bigger this year, they want every play to look like a run. I also think they feel more comfortable with Fyfe that they will let TA run more on designed plays. Our year turns on the defense once again. Can the line survive the depth issues?

 

[SevoHusker]

Lucky for us preseason predictions usually don't mean much. Still interesting to see.

 

[stxhusker]

Pre-season...schmee-season!!! What is it that they say about putting "schmee" in a word?

 

[Harry Caray]

Iowa has a fairly easy conference schedule next year, and they have a veteran QB who takes care of the ball. We went 1-5 in the division last year, we have some tough conference road games, and we have an unpredictable QB. If I were an unbiased writer, I'd favor Iowa at this time too.

But in the end, predictions don't matter at all. A lot can happen over the course of the season. Teams improve, young players step up, injuries occur.

 

[jlb321]

I think if we are intellectually honest it is not unreasonable to tag Iowa as the divisional favorite
they are coming off a very good season, were a play or so away from the conf championship, have 13 starters returning including the 2nd team all conf QB

statistically speaking they probably have the highest probability of winning the division - doesn't mean they will but suspect all the odds makers, coaches, and media will have Iowa as the favorite

now Iowa usually underperforms when expectations are high .. but not sure that can be applied year to year as all the teams are different
it is like saying the SanFrancisco Giants will win the World series this year because they have won in 2010, 2012, and 2014 - so they win in even years, or because heads has come up three times the odds that it comes up again is higher

these odds are a combo of.......last years performance + returning starters (with a big bump with a returning QB) + schedule (all of Iowa's tough games are at home -- Neb, Michigan, Wisc, NW) -- all of our toughest games are on the road

almost every odds maker with any degree of objectivity will have Iowa as the preseason favorite ... doesn't mean they will win, and will be sweeter if we steal their thunder

GBR

 

[ThereIsNoPlace]

I love Ozigbo and think our run game will be pretty salty with him. I think the coaches are looking to cater to TA's strengths and the team's strengths more than they were a year ago. Play action will be a bigger this year, they want every play to look like a run. I also think they feel more comfortable with Fyfe that they will let TA run more on designed plays. Our year turns on the defense once again. Can the line survive the depth issues?

When this doesn't happen, will you own up to it?

 

[Husker Sledge]

I think if we are intellectually honest it is not unreasonable to tag Iowa as the divisional favorite
they are coming off a very good season, were a play or so away from the conf championship, have 13 starters returning including the 2nd team all conf QB

statistically speaking they probably have the highest probability of winning the division - doesn't mean they will but suspect all the odds makers, coaches, and media will have Iowa as the favorite

now Iowa usually underperforms when expectations are high .. but not sure that can be applied year to year as all the teams are different
it is like saying the SanFrancisco Giants will win the World series this year because they have won in 2010, 2012, and 2014 - so they win in even years, or because heads has come up three times the odds that it comes up again is higher

these odds are a combo of.......last years performance + returning starters (with a big bump with a returning QB) + schedule (all of Iowa's tough games are at home -- Neb, Michigan, Wisc, NW) -- all of our toughest games are on the road

almost every odds maker with any degree of objectivity will have Iowa as the preseason favorite ... doesn't mean they will win, and will be sweeter if we steal their thunder

GBR

I don't think Iowa is all that intimidating at home. We'll win the West. All this talk about OSU being so great is silly. Yes they will be decent, but any team that loses that much talent to the NFL will have their share of challenges!

 

[old person]

Mich S without the veteran QB is going to be down-OSU always loses top talent it is called reloading and they do it every year, they also have their QB back-Mich doesn't have a QB with any experience (Hairball might get to pay for renting a QB last year) they could go either way- Wis will be solid but probably go 0-4 to open the race . -Iowa no they wont go 12-0 but who did they lose ? and all their tough games are at home with PSU on the road. Picking your own team because you think you have more talent then the other guy is tricky because guess what -the other guy thinks the same thing. Two things get you beat in the B1G a leaky D and a QB who gives the game away repeatedly. Another thing no team in this conf is going to do is beat OSU twice in one year if they win the east.

 

[hexumhawk]

As an Iowa fan I like the way their schedule lays out for them and they have a ton returning. With that said you still have to play the games and Ferentz is known for laying a stinker or two every year to teams they should beat. Think the west will be undervalued as I see Neb as being a much more solid team this year. MInn will be good along with Wisconsin but somewhat new staffs at each. The school to watch close will be Illinois. They are going to start getting some talent and have under performed for years. Some solid coaching with Lovie will go a long way for them.

The west wont get the pub the east will this year but I think it will be solid and should be a pretty open race with Iowa having a slight edge with a Sr QB and a manageable schedule.

 

[Hoosker Du]

The only thing I have gathered from this thread is that some people for some reason struggle with "than" vs "then." C'mon man..

 

[Chief Wiggum]

Man I used to look forward to this time of season 20 years ago before the real advent of the Internet....I'd go to the store and voraciously read every inch of every magazine out there, of course, 20 years ago there was heavy Husker mention in all magazines. Seems like the football preseason magazine era (at least hard copy) is pretty much over, so much more information out there...kinda sad in a nostalgic sort of way.

 

[TheLiberalHunter]

Preseason magazines are based so much on the previous season. That's why everybody will pick Iowa to win the division. Of course anybody who has followed Iowa knows that they are very up and down. I'd be surprised if they won the division again and absolutely shocked if they did even close to as good as they did last year.

I think they will finish close to what they did last year. Easy Schedule with only Mich, NU and maybe Wisc as trouble games. That doesn't mean they will be any better, obviously....just that their path isn't all that difficult.

 

[TheLiberalHunter]

Man I used to look forward to this time of season 20 years ago before the real advent of the Internet....I'd go to the store and voraciously read every inch of every magazine out there, of course, 20 years ago there was heavy Husker mention in all magazines. Seems like the football preseason magazine era (at least hard copy) is pretty much over, so much more information out there...kinda sad in a nostalgic sort of way.

Truth. I used to eat up those magazines like Libs eat up the 4 Seasons as Climate Change.

Anymore, you see they really aren't very accurate so I stopped buying them.

 

[Huskers_Rule]

When this doesn't happen, will you own up to it?

It's freaking speculation not sure what you want, my first born son?

 

[Hoosker Du]

Truth. I used to eat up those magazines like Libs eat up the 4 Seasons as Climate Change.

Anymore, you see they really aren't very accurate so I stopped buying them.

It's OK to be dumb. People are kind..

 

[ellobo]

Mich S without the veteran QB is going to be down-OSU always loses top talent it is called reloading and they do it every year, they also have their QB back-Mich doesn't have a QB with any experience (Hairball might get to pay for renting a QB last year) they could go either way- Wis will be solid but probably go 0-4 to open the race . -Iowa no they wont go 12-0 but who did they lose ? and all their tough games are at home with PSU on the road. Picking your own team because you think you have more talent then the other guy is tricky because guess what -the other guy thinks the same thing. Two things get you beat in the B1G a leaky D and a QB who gives the game away repeatedly. Another thing no team in this conf is going to do is beat OSU twice in one year if they win the east.

The likely starter for Michigan is John O'korn who was the AAC Freshman of the year in 2013 when he threw for over 3000yds and 28tds. Following his freshman year Houston's OC was hired by TCU and the new OC and O'Korn didn't mesh...thus the transfer. I'm not going to make any claims on how good he'll be (though it was reported he would have been the starter last year if he didn't have to sit out because of the transfer). I'm just pointing out that you are mistaken about the experience issue.

In addition, the top backup already has a comeback victory in his name...against Minny last year. The 3rd string has a couple of starts under his belt including a bowl game...so maybe your knowledge of what other teams have and don't have isn't as deep as you think? Which is fine...I personally couldn't name more than 4 or 5 total players on at least half of the teams in the B10...

 

[otismotis08]

These days, the mags are stale by the time they hit the shelves.

 

[ThereIsNoPlace]

It's freaking speculation not sure what you want, my first born son?

How big-a-boy is he?

 

[old person]

The likely starter for Michigan is John O'korn who was the AAC Freshman of the year in 2013 when he threw for over 3000yds and 28tds. Following his freshman year Houston's OC was hired by TCU and the new OC and O'Korn didn't mesh...thus the transfer. I'm not going to make any claims on how good he'll be (though it was reported he would have been the starter last year if he didn't have to sit out because of the transfer). I'm just pointing out that you are mistaken about the experience issue.

In addition, the top backup already has a comeback victory in his name...against Minny last year. The 3rd string has a couple of starts under his belt including a bowl game...so maybe your knowledge of what other teams have and don't have isn't as deep as you think? Which is fine...I personally couldn't name more than 4 or 5 total players on at least half of the teams in the B10...

Not close to having perfect knowledge of Mich only that they don't have a QB who has taken a B1G snap .I guess we will find out when they come to Ia City for a game under the lights

 

[ellobo]

Not close to having perfect knowledge of Mich only that they don't have a QB who has taken a B1G snap .I guess we will find out when they come to Ia City for a game under the lights

Huh? Did you not read my post? Michigan has two QBs that have taken B10 snaps and I'm not talking just garbage time. One has started a couple games and another led a comeback against Minny last year. The third guy (who will likely start) has 17 or 18 career D1A starts including a blowout win against a current B10 team when they both where in a different conference. If you want to tell me our QBs suck that would be one thing but you couldn't be more wrong about what you just said.

 

[old person]

Huh? Did you not read my post? Michigan has two QBs that have taken B10 snaps and I'm not talking just garbage time. One has started a couple games and another led a comeback against Minny last year. The third guy (who will likely start) has 17 or 18 career D1A starts including a blowout win against a current B10 team when they both where in a different conference. If you want to tell me our QBs suck that would be one thing but you couldn't be more wrong about what you just said.

Well it is a good thing you don't have to play them because they might be the B1G champs .

 

[old person]

Well it is a good thing you don't have to play them because they might be the B1G champs .

Our cast off Rudock apparently beat the later 2 out of a job -not impressed as Jake would not have taken Iowa to a 12-0 start . Will let you know in Nov how good they are.

 

[scarletred]

Let's face it, if Nebraska had Wisconsin, tOSU, Northwestern and Iowa at home they would be favored over Iowa if the Hawks had to play Northwestern, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska on the road.

I don't care what Iowa had returning if this was the case they wouldn't dispute this one Iota.

 

[ellobo]

Our cast off Rudock apparently beat the later 2 out of a job -not impressed as Jake would not have taken Iowa to a 12-0 start . Will let you know in Nov how good they are.

I'm a Michigan fan...good to know that the ignorance I just read is coming from a fellow board visitor as I rather like chatting with the NU folk here. You certainly live up to their stereotype of Iowa fans. Congrats on that.

Speaking of which. I've seen what some of you have said about Rudock. You guys totally miss the point. Harbaugh transformed him from a cast off to a NFL draft pick. Harbaugh did 10x more with and for him in half a year than your coaches could in 4+. Sure that says something for Harbaugh but it also says a lot about your own coaches who are mediocre at best developing QB talent (that's me being generous).

So please don't associate what your staff is capable of, with QBs, compared to others. I'm not worried with our QB situation with Harbaugh. I'm not worried that 5th year senior Rudock beat out a rs frosh last year (our #2 who led the minny comeback) or our likely 3rd string who RS'd last year after getting thrown in the fire by Hoke. But maybe you should worry that it took your staff so long to turn Beathard into a serviceable QB. Kid is talented and in another program maybe it wouldn't have taken so long to turn him into a starter.

 

[cidsports]

​

It will be a very interesting Big Ten season. Every team has questions this season, Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska.

It has been, since 1981, that Iowa took care of business over Nebraska at home. They have won 2 of 3 over the Cornhuskers, but only in Lincoln.

1. Ohio State - team to beat as always when it comes to B1G football. Heck, they have Urban for goodness sakes!
2. Michigan State - can one discount a team that has won 11 games five out the last six seasons. The outlier was 2012, when Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska all took the Spartans out.
3. Michigan @ Iowa on Nov. 12th in Prime-time ... will the Hawkeyes defend Kinnick again against a team with Jim Harbaugh on it?

​

How good will Nebraska's O-Line and D-Line be in 2016?

Play in the trenches is always important in the Big Ten ... how does Mike Riley's second team look in that regard?

Athlon's suggests 7th best O-Line, but 12th ranked D-Line, #10 LB unit and #8 secondary.

Now, all isn't Roses in Iowa City. The kicking game is a big unknown. Depth at TE, WR, DE and maybe a couple other positions could be something to watch.

Iowa is the program that leads the West coming into 2016. Favorable or manageable schedule, but all West teams play only 4 games at home, with 5 games on the B1G road, with the new 9 game B1G schedule.

Nebraska opens with 3 home games ahead of first B1G road game at Northwestern.
Iowa and Michigan open with 3 home games, with the Hawkeyes opening in the B1G at Rutgers, while Michigan gets Penn State in the Big House.

​

It should be very interesting to watch SLB/DB/RS Jabrill Peppers play in the Maize & Gold ...

It is going to be an interesting 2016 season.

​

 

[cidsports]

Mich S without the veteran QB is going to be down-OSU always loses top talent it is called reloading and they do it every year, they also have their QB back-Mich doesn't have a QB with any experience (Hairball might get to pay for renting a QB last year) they could go either way- Wis will be solid but probably go 0-4 to open the race . -Iowa no they wont go 12-0 but who did they lose ? and all their tough games are at home with PSU on the road. Picking your own team because you think you have more talent then the other guy is tricky because guess what -the other guy thinks the same thing. Two things get you beat in the B1G a leaky D and a QB who gives the game away repeatedly. Another thing no team in this conf is going to do is beat OSU twice in one year if they win the east.

​

Michigan State's QB Tyler O'Connor game managed the Spartans to a victory at Ohio State in 2015, in place of Connor Cook. His problem is the loss of skill players in the passing game, but sophomore RB L.J. Scott should be a player to watch. O'Conner is a senior and has been behind Cook. He is likely a better QB than Wisconsin senior QB Bart Houston.

 

[Hawkeye_311]

Let's face it, if Nebraska had Wisconsin, tOSU, Northwestern and Iowa at home they would be favored over Iowa if the Hawks had to play Northwestern, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska on the road.

I don't care what Iowa had returning if this was the case they wouldn't dispute this one Iota.

We did that already, it was called the 2015 College Football season.

 

[old person]

I'm a Michigan fan...good to know that the ignorance I just read is coming from a fellow board visitor as I rather like chatting with the NU folk here. You certainly live up to their stereotype of Iowa fans. Congrats on that.

Speaking of which. I've seen what some of you have said about Rudock. You guys totally miss the point. Harbaugh transformed him from a cast off to a NFL draft pick. Harbaugh did 10x more with and for him in half a year than your coaches could in 4+. Sure that says something for Harbaugh but it also says a lot about your own coaches who are mediocre at best developing QB talent (that's me being generous).

So please don't associate what your staff is capable of, with QBs, compared to others. I'm not worried with our QB situation with Harbaugh. I'm not worried that 5th year senior Rudock beat out a rs frosh last year (our #2 who led the minny comeback) or our likely 3rd string who RS'd last year after getting thrown in the fire by Hoke. But maybe you should worry that it took your staff so long to turn Beathard into a serviceable QB. Kid is talented and in another program maybe it wouldn't have taken so long to turn him into a starter.

And you certainly live up to the arrogant know it all Mich fans .Rudock was not liked by most players and his 3 yard and out on 3rd and 5 got a little tiresome. Beathard was hurt in the Pitt game and played on guts all year . Kirk did have the guts to force Rudock out and thanks to that went 12-0 . If anything Kirk is loyal to a fault and gave Rudock more then enough chances and he couldn't get the job done They did finish in the top ten with a banged up QB which is more then the mighty meat chicken did with the magic touch of hairball. See you in Kinnick. That much maligned staff has finished in the top 10 five times since 2000 how about you?

 

[ellobo]

And you certainly live up to the arrogant know it all Mich fans .Rudock was not liked by most players and his 3 yard and out on 3rd and 5 got a little tiresome. Beathard was hurt in the Pitt game and played on guts all year . Kirk did have the guts to force Rudock out and thanks to that went 12-0 . If anything Kirk is loyal to a fault and gave Rudock more then enough chances and he couldn't get the job done They did finish in the top ten with a banged up QB which is more then the mighty meat chicken did with the magic touch of hairball. See you in Kinnick. That much maligned staff has finished in the top 10 five times since 2000 how about you?

Rudock was not liked by most players:

Nothing true about that what so ever

His 3 yard and out on 3rd and 5 got a little tiresome:

Your coaching staff was responsible for that. Under Harbaugh that didn't happen. That really should make you think

Beathard was hurt in the Pitt game and played on guts all year:

Not sure what your point is on that...is that an excuse for why Rudock looked much better than Beathard at the end of the season? Are you upset that Harbaugh is better at developing QBs than your staff?

If anything Kirk is loyal to a fault and gave Rudock more then enough chances and he couldn't get the job done:

So your point is your HC is fricken stupid (I dont agree with that btw)

They did finish in the top ten with a banged up QB

Who did Iowa beat

 

[scarletred]

We did that already, it was called the 2015 College Football season.

Really didn't know Iowa played Michigan last year and we haven't played Ohio St since 2012.

 

[old person]

Rudock was not liked by most players:

Nothing true about that what so ever

His 3 yard and out on 3rd and 5 got a little tiresome:

Your coaching staff was responsible for that. Under Harbaugh that didn't happen. That really should make you think

Beathard was hurt in the Pitt game and played on guts all year:

Not sure what your point is on that...is that an excuse for why Rudock looked much better than Beathard at the end of the season? Are you upset that Harbaugh is better at developing QBs than your staff?

If anything Kirk is loyal to a fault and gave Rudock more then enough chances and he couldn't get the job done:

So your point is your HC is fricken stupid (I dont agree with that btw)

They did finish in the top ten with a banged up QB

Who did Iowa beat
Now sure why I am even replying to your monumental lack of insight to the Iowa program but here goes. Yes Rudock was NOT liked by most of the Iowa players and if you followed Iowa press and talk you would know that. Beathard interacted with all the players and they busted their butts last year under his leadership. Rudock could have stayed and fought for his job but he folded his tent. No one on the Iowa side was unhappy with him leaving. Oh I know your little Mich heart can't believe the mighty blue had to rely on a Iowa reject. Nebraska had a lot to do with Rudock losing his job .The last 2 regular season games at Kinnick sealed Rudocks fate . Wis was hanging on by a thread and Iowa was in a winnable game and Rudock couldn't put together a drive and the Nebraska game was a back breaker as Rudock blew up in the red zone and cost Iowa at least 2 TDS and ultimately the game. Couple of final thoughts then let's continue this on the Iowa site . Jake will never play a professional down unless the NFL starts looking for a 5 yard passing game . Jake survived at blue because you have all 4 and 5* recruits which Iowa doesn't get so if anyone under coached the past 10 years it was blue not Kirk. It has been very funny to watch Mich struggle the past few seasons because of the huge advantage they had in talent. Worry about OSU as they continue to dominate the series not little old Iowa. I am done.

 

[old person]

The Iowa expert from Mich or is that Nebraska? Take this to the Iowa site and we will continue

 

[hexumhawk]

I'm a Michigan fan...good to know that the ignorance I just read is coming from a fellow board visitor as I rather like chatting with the NU folk here. You certainly live up to their stereotype of Iowa fans. Congrats on that.

Speaking of which. I've seen what some of you have said about Rudock. You guys totally miss the point. Harbaugh transformed him from a cast off to a NFL draft pick. Harbaugh did 10x more with and for him in half a year than your coaches could in 4+. Sure that says something for Harbaugh but it also says a lot about your own coaches who are mediocre at best developing QB talent (that's me being generous).

So please don't associate what your staff is capable of, with QBs, compared to others. I'm not worried with our QB situation with Harbaugh. I'm not worried that 5th year senior Rudock beat out a rs frosh last year (our #2 who led the minny comeback) or our likely 3rd string who RS'd last year after getting thrown in the fire by Hoke. But maybe you should worry that it took your staff so long to turn Beathard into a serviceable QB. Kid is talented and in another program maybe it wouldn't have taken so long to turn him into a starter.

I agree.

JH got the most that anyone is going to get out of Rudock and turned him into a better player and someone who will get a look now in the NFL. Iowa benefited by having more team unity and a player that better fit their needs in their offense with CJB.

Win Win for everyone involved, which is rare this day and age with transfers.

 

[SWIowahawks]

As an Iowa fan I'm not gonna apologize for having a slightly easier schedule than Nebraska. Nor will Minnesota apologize for having an even easier schedule than Iowa. Nor will Nebraska fans apologize for having an easier schedule than Iowa in 2017. It definitely sucks when the schedules aren't even, but everyone gets a piece of the easy train now and then.

 

[studed]

Mich S without the veteran QB is going to be down-OSU always loses top talent it is called reloading and they do it every year, they also have their QB back-Mich doesn't have a QB with any experience (Hairball might get to pay for renting a QB last year) they could go either way- Wis will be solid but probably go 0-4 to open the race . -Iowa no they wont go 12-0 but who did they lose ? and all their tough games are at home with PSU on the road. Picking your own team because you think you have more talent then the other guy is tricky because guess what -the other guy thinks the same thing. Two things get you beat in the B1G a leaky D and a QB who gives the game away repeatedly. Another thing no team in this conf is going to do is beat OSU twice in one year if they win the east.

michigan will have a new qb but not a qb with no experience. the michigan qb played at houston for 2 years and was freshmen of the year in that conference as a true freshmen threw for 3117 28 td. he had to sit out last year but he was on campus before rudock was. so when the season stars he will have been at michigan working with the players and coaches for over 1 1/2 years

 

[SWIowahawks]

michigan will have a new qb but not a qb with no experience. the michigan qb played at houston for 2 years and was freshmen of the year in that conference as a true freshmen threw for 3117 28 td. he had to sit out last year but he was on campus before rudock was. so when the season stars he will have been at michigan working with the players and coaches for over 1 1/2 years

Not gonna argue whether or not he is gonna be good at Michigan or not, but I wouldn't take too much stock in those numbers at Houston. (Him doing it as a freshman does carry some weight).

 

[DudznSudz]

As an Iowa fan I like the way their schedule lays out for them and they have a ton returning. With that said you still have to play the games and Ferentz is known for laying a stinker or two every year to teams they should beat. Think the west will be undervalued as I see Neb as being a much more solid team this year. MInn will be good along with Wisconsin but somewhat new staffs at each. The school to watch close will be Illinois. They are going to start getting some talent and have under performed for years. Some solid coaching with Lovie will go a long way for them.

The west wont get the pub the east will this year but I think it will be solid and should be a pretty open race with Iowa having a slight edge with a Sr QB and a manageable schedule.

That's a pretty fair analysis. I don't see Iowa winning the West again, but I would say the race to win the West is between Iowa and us. I see Wisconsin getting their asses handed to them in more games than not, and Minnesota, Illinois, and Purdue just aren't there talent wise (yet, in the case of Illinois). Northwestern is kind of the dark-horse pick in my opinion.