West - This year and future

[SnohomishRed]

I think it is safe to say that the West is a three team race most years - NU - WI and Iowa here are my thoughts

WI - Best defensive club in the West year in year out. Offense will really depend on whether they stick with the run or not ( I suspect they will) Talent wise they are a mid level Big10 team development has been however. They will be competitive year in year out due to defense

Schedule - Wisconsin plays a big boy schedule both OOC and in conference - The cross over games are generally against at least one if not multiple leaders in the east

Iowa - They have consistent coaching to be sure and play a conservative brand of football - nothing really stellar stands out offense defense or talent level. They are coming off a good year but much of that had to due with schedule and that WI and NU had first year coaches. Most years I think they finish third

Schedule - Iowa plays a weak schedule both OOC and in conference. As far as I can see they have never scheduled a top opponent in OOC and for what ever reason the Big10 has given thema break on their conference schedule. They play OSU once in the next 4 years and have played only once in the last four year ( loss) They rarely play more than one gamer with MI, MSU, OSU and PSU

NU - Most talented recruiting wise of the three, development remains to be seen. Our troubloes have been on the defensive end we have consistently had the worst defense of the three teams. If that is fixed I see no reason not to dominate this division

Schedule - NU also plays a big boy schedule both OOC and in conference - WE also play OSU 3 of the next 4 years and typically play at least two of MI,MSU,OSU or PSU

 

[jeans15]

The schedules are will always have influence. Everybody should play the same schedule, imo.

 

[TheLiberalHunter]

Those Iowa Conference Schedules are a bit of a mystery. I'm sure it will even out over the years.

 

[jlb321]

with regards to next year only

Iowa plays - Michigan, Penn State and Rutgers
Neb - OSU, Indiana, Maryland

I think the conference schedule next year is comparable between the 2 programs

regardless ... head to head game amounts to a 2 game swing plus or minus

 

[saluno22]

I was going to say that for division races they should only count division games because there is very rarely "equivalent" crossover games between any two teams in the same division. However, I was thinking there were still only 8 conference games (2 crossover), but with 9 conference games (3 crossover), it isn't as pronounced a discrepancy (usually).

Still think it should be divisional games to avoid the lopsided schedules. How often do you see a good team beating someone twice (as in have a physically- or emotionally-taxing game one week, then have that impact the next week)? I'd argue that happens more often with teams that play better crossover opponents.

 

[SnohomishRed]

Those Iowa Conference Schedules are a bit of a mystery. I'm sure it will even out over the years.

The issue with Iowa's schedule is that 1) they rarely play the best team in the BIG10 (arguably TOSU) and 2) every few years they seem to skip playing OSU,MI,PSU and MSU like last year. I can see a year when you play only one but skipping all 4 seems intentional from the Big10 schedulers it does not seem logical

 

[AdaminLincoln]

I think it is safe to say that the West is a three team race most years - NU - WI and Iowa here are my thoughts

WI - Best defensive club in the West year in year out. Offense will really depend on whether they stick with the run or not ( I suspect they will) Talent wise they are a mid level Big10 team development has been however. They will be competitive year in year out due to defense

Schedule - Wisconsin plays a big boy schedule both OOC and in conference - The cross over games are generally against at least one if not multiple leaders in the east

Iowa - They have consistent coaching to be sure and play a conservative brand of football - nothing really stellar stands out offense defense or talent level. They are coming off a good year but much of that had to due with schedule and that WI and NU had first year coaches. Most years I think they finish third

Schedule - Iowa plays a weak schedule both OOC and in conference. As far as I can see they have never scheduled a top opponent in OOC and for what ever reason the Big10 has given thema break on their conference schedule. They play OSU once in the next 4 years and have played only once in the last four year ( loss) They rarely play more than one gamer with MI, MSU, OSU and PSU

NU - Most talented recruiting wise of the three, development remains to be seen. Our troubloes have been on the defensive end we have consistently had the worst defense of the three teams. If that is fixed I see no reason not to dominate this division

Schedule - NU also plays a big boy schedule both OOC and in conference - WE also play OSU 3 of the next 4 years and typically play at least two of MI,MSU,OSU or PSU

Does WI's new DC play into the equation?

 

[SnohomishRed]

Does WI's new DC play into the equation?

they have been pretty good on defense for a long time now but losing Aranda is a blow to be sure - it will be interesting

 

[huskerfan1414]

The schedules are will always have influence. Everybody should play the same schedule, imo.

Playing a tougher schedule will get us where we want to be, which is in the playoff.

 

[old person]

The issue with Iowa's schedule is that 1) they rarely play the best team in the BIG10 (arguably TOSU) and 2) every few years they seem to skip playing OSU,MI,PSU and MSU like last year. I can see a year when you play only one but skipping all 4 seems intentional from the Big10 schedulers it does not seem logical

Iowa slips the Big scheduler a Franklin and he makes sure the hawks play nobody and Mars has little green men .

 

[dockentwo]

Iowa slips the Big scheduler a Franklin and he makes sure the hawks play nobody and Mars has little green men .

I knew Iowa had studied some SEC strategies; but I missed the little green men. Why didn't Matt use them as extras in the movie?

 

[old person]

Playing a tougher schedule will get us where we want to be, which is in the playoff.

I knew Iowa had studied some SEC strategies; but I missed the little green men. Why didn't Matt use them as extras in the movie?

Did I forget to tell you the scheduler is an Iowa grad. The little green men live underground ask Supergirl.

 

[SnohomishRed]

Did I forget to tell you the scheduler is an Iowa grad. The little green men live underground ask Supergirl.

How about the big ten tries to schedule more high profile teams together so the ratings are higher. Does NU vs OSU get a higher rating than Iowa vs OSU?

 

[sparky62]

Personally I think that Iowa was a 1 & done last year. HUSKERS take the West this year.

 

[old person]

Personally I think that Iowa was a 1 & done last year. HUSKERS take the West this year.

They play all the toughest games at home and they probably won't be 12-0 but you are not going to have to be unbeaten to win the west. Should be fun.

 

[loper]

How about the big ten tries to schedule more high profile teams together so the ratings are higher. Does NU vs OSU get a higher rating than Iowa vs OSU?

It sure seems like the schedules were manipulated West vs East starting in 2016 for TV contract negotiations. 2015 neither Nebraska, Iowa or Wisconsin played OSU, Michigan or Penn State which allowed better records, i.e. Iowa 12-0 in the West and then now starting to play "Top 3 vs Top 3"(historically MSU not top 3 in East)

 

[chicolby]

Just saw Nebraska's games against Wisconsin and Ohio State are both selected as Primetime matchups to be aired by the ESPN family (ESPN, ABC, ESPN2). What I hadn't noticed before was the fact that these two road games are played back to back. Who here wouldn't take 1-1 in these two games without even playing them?

That's a tough two game stretch. As much as I think Nebraska is ready to turn the corner, it's also easy to say if they lose to Oregon (probably likely) and lose to Wisconsin, an Ohio state loss is also highly likely and questions may start to arise again from the fan base and even the players.

Hoping that's not the case.

 

[old person]

Scheduling those non conf biggies is fine as long as you beat them if you don't ask Wis how those Alabama games went. The SEC (Alabama) does not play all the big dogs in the conf every year just like the B1G . With the conf going to nine games you are going to see less and less of the big boys scheduling anything but tune ups . Who wants to get your QB hurt against Pinecone State?

 

[SWIowahawks]

Took a look at the next few years. This year is either a wash or Nebraskas is slightly tougher because @Iowa, @Wisconsin, @Nw. 2017 Iowa has the tougher schedule and is the year Nebraska should take the west between the two. 2018 Nebraska gets the Wisconsin 2016 treatment. MSU in Lincoln and OSU, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, NW all on the road. Ouch. 2019 looks to be tougher for the Hawks. As of now anyways.

 

[Lincoln100]

If we don't win it this year, I am going to be pissed. If they schedule Oregon as an 11:00 a.m. start, I am going to be pissed.

 

[timnsun]

Took a look at the next few years. This year is either a wash or Nebraskas is slightly tougher because @Iowa, @Wisconsin, @Nw. 2017 Iowa has the tougher schedule and is the year Nebraska should take the west between the two. 2018 Nebraska gets the Wisconsin 2016 treatment. MSU in Lincoln and OSU, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, NW all on the road. Ouch. 2019 looks to be tougher for the Hawks. As of now anyways.

You forgot at Ohio State in 2016 for Nebraska as well. That tips it strongly in our favor as having the tougher season, imho.

 

[SWIowahawks]

You forgot at Ohio State in 2016 for Nebraska as well. That tips it strongly in our favor as having the tougher season, imho.

I didn't forget. It's definitely the hardest possible game at this point. Iowa gets Michigan at home and @PSU. Michigan and OSU are comparable this year but edge goes to Nebraska on the harder matchup. Penn State is the wild card. @ Rutgers and @ Indiana is a wash. @Penn State is more difficult than Maryland at home. It all depends on how good Penn State is. Nebraska has the tougher schedule in 2016 but it's not a huge gap.

 

[nebcountry]

Right now for this year, I would put Iowa as the slight favorite, NU and Wisconsin as the other contenders.

For the future (and it might be or might not be with this staff), I would put NU as the clear favorite every year. A fluke year would produce a different divisional champ.

I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure. Since the advent of recruiting services, NOT ONE SINGLE TEAM OTHER THAN NU HAS EVER RECRUITED A TOP 25 OR BETTER CLASS in this division. We are barely satisfied with a top 25 class. If anything, Riley & Co are showing me is that we can still get players interested in us. Iowa and Wisconsin can develop players and are disciplined. Does that mean that Iowa and Wisconsin are the only teams in the country allowed to develop players and be disciplined? Nope, it's just a matter of time and we'll be perennial division champs playing for the conference title.

 

[jeans15]

Playing a tougher schedule will get us where we want to be, which is in the playoff.

I'm thinking more within the conference.

 

[SWIowahawks]

Right now for this year, I would put Iowa as the slight favorite, NU and Wisconsin as the other contenders.

For the future (and it might be or might not be with this staff), I would put NU as the clear favorite every year. A fluke year would produce a different divisional champ.

I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure. Since the advent of recruiting services, NOT ONE SINGLE TEAM OTHER THAN NU HAS EVER RECRUITED A TOP 25 OR BETTER CLASS in this division. We are barely satisfied with a top 25 class. If anything, Riley & Co are showing me is that we can still get players interested in us. Iowa and Wisconsin can develop players and are disciplined. Does that mean that Iowa and Wisconsin are the only teams in the country allowed to develop players and be disciplined? Nope, it's just a matter of time and we'll be perennial division champs playing for the conference title.

Not sure if you're serious or I'm reading this wrong. I don't care if you have OSU talent in 2018, with that schedule, Nebraska is not winning the division. I also don't understand your comment about no one other than NU having a top 25 class in the division. If that's actually what you are trying to say, it's incorrect.

 

[nebcountry]

Not sure if you're serious or I'm reading this wrong. I don't care if you have OSU talent in 2018, with that schedule, Nebraska is not winning the division. I also don't understand your comment about no one other than NU having a top 25 class in the division. If that's actually what you are trying to say, it's incorrect.

I'll take the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the conference and some of our division opponents. So, let's just check out recruiting team rankings history for other teams (not including NU) in our division:

2016: No top 25
2015: No top 25
2014: No top 25
2013: No top 25
2012: No top 25
2011: No top 25
2010: No top 25
2009: No top 25
2008: DING, DING, DING. Minnesota with a 17th ranking, and Illinois with a 23 ranking.

So you are CORRECT. How could I have ever thought our division opponents were incapable of landing a top 25 class. Okay, if I'm gonna learn then there's no reason to stop now.

2007: DING, DING, DING. Illinois with a 20th ranking.
2006: No top 25
2005: DING, DING, DING. Your Iowa team landed an 11th ranked class.
2004: DING? The rivals team rankings are messed up with multiple teams listed multiple times. It does appear, removing multiples, that Purdue is around a 23rd ranking.
2003: No top 25.

So to recap, over the 14 year span:
Iowa - one top 25 class
Minnesota - one top 25 class
Purdue - one top 25 class
Illinois the clear leader with TWO top 25 classes in the 14 year history of rivals team rankings. So, wrong is wrong. On 5 collective occasions over the 14 year history of rivals, our division opponents have landed a top 25 recruiting class.

You are an Iowa fan, entitled to an Iowa fan's opinion. I am a NU fan, entitled to an NU fan's opinion. I view our coaching staff as generally average, oh, we have some bright spots, and our staff may prove to be exceptional (note the key word is "prove" meaning they'll have to show it). But, if we have a staff that concentrates on recruiting, it appears to me that we will outclass our division. A completely different tier. Could another like Ron Dayne come along to Wisconsin, certainly. Could Beathard be the guy to keep Iowa at an elevated level, certainly. They're individuals, not a sustained effort or result. You picked 2018. Is NU gonna win the division in 2018, maybe, maybe not. If we are talking about the future, I would still say that NU will be the clear favorite.

 

[Richie Cunningham]

Hi everyone,

I'm a Michigan State fan who happened by this discussion. While it does not directly pertain to the thread's focus, I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed seeing NU and MSU play over these past five years. It's been a fun best-of-five, even though you got us 3 games to 2. We only play once in the next few seasons, atleast in Lincoln or East Lansing anyway , so you'll have bragging rights . Best of luck in 2016, Nebraska.

 

[Charlie Marlow]

I think it's just f^*&ing stupid that the schedules aren't more balanced. It's probably the one thing I don't like about this conference. Some teams are at a distinct disadvantage from Day 1.

 

[SWIowahawks]

I'll take the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the conference and some of our division opponents. So, let's just check out recruiting team rankings history for other teams (not including NU) in our division:

2016: No top 25
2015: No top 25
2014: No top 25
2013: No top 25
2012: No top 25
2011: No top 25
2010: No top 25
2009: No top 25
2008: DING, DING, DING. Minnesota with a 17th ranking, and Illinois with a 23 ranking.

So you are CORRECT. How could I have ever thought our division opponents were incapable of landing a top 25 class. Okay, if I'm gonna learn then there's no reason to stop now.

2007: DING, DING, DING. Illinois with a 20th ranking.
2006: No top 25
2005: DING, DING, DING. Your Iowa team landed an 11th ranked class.
2004: DING? The rivals team rankings are messed up with multiple teams listed multiple times. It does appear, removing multiples, that Purdue is around a 23rd ranking.
2003: No top 25.

So to recap, over the 14 year span:
Iowa - one top 25 class
Minnesota - one top 25 class
Purdue - one top 25 class
Illinois the clear leader with TWO top 25 classes in the 14 year history of rivals team rankings. So, wrong is wrong. On 5 collective occasions over the 14 year history of rivals, our division opponents have landed a top 25 recruiting class.

You are an Iowa fan, entitled to an Iowa fan's opinion. I am a NU fan, entitled to an NU fan's opinion. I view our coaching staff as generally average, oh, we have some bright spots, and our staff may prove to be exceptional (note the key word is "prove" meaning they'll have to show it). But, if we have a staff that concentrates on recruiting, it appears to me that we will outclass our division. A completely different tier. Could another like Ron Dayne come along to Wisconsin, certainly. Could Beathard be the guy to keep Iowa at an elevated level, certainly. They're individuals, not a sustained effort or result. You picked 2018. Is NU gonna win the division in 2018, maybe, maybe not. If we are talking about the future, I would still say that NU will be the clear favorite.

Not arguing with you but just pointing out facts that you missed on big time. You did say Nebraska should be the favorite "every year". 2018 will not be their year. That is an insane schedule. There is much parody in the West so every year should be pretty damn fun and exciting. One team isn't going to own the division for 3, 4, 5 years.

 

[timnsun]

Not arguing with you but just pointing out facts that you missed on big time. You did say Nebraska should be the favorite "every year". 2018 will not be their year. That is an insane schedule. There is much parody in the West so every year should be pretty damn fun and exciting. One team isn't going to own the division for 3, 4, 5 years.

Agree...

Iowa as big west champs is a huge parody...

Having said that, it is interesting to see if parity might come to the conference in the future, or if Nebraska just runs away with it.

 

[SWIowahawks]

Agree...

Iowa as big west champs is a huge parody...

Having said that, it is interesting to see if parity might come to the conference in the future, or if Nebraska just runs away with it.

Nice catch. I learned something new today. It seems a lot of Husker fans haven't learned by now that Nebraska isn't running away with anything. They are like Wisconsin, Iowa, etc and will win a few division and possibly even conference titles. Unless they hire someone bigger named than Mike Reilly.

 

[jlb321]

I think it's just f^*&ing stupid that the schedules aren't more balanced. It's probably the one thing I don't like about this conference. Some teams are at a distinct disadvantage from Day 1.

we played in the BIG12 north and now in the BIG ten west .. by comparison the teams the other divisions had/have much, much more difficult schedules every year ... we will likely have a far easier path to the conference championship game every single year than PSU, Mich State, Indiana, etc ... much like we did in the Big12 North as opposed to the South teams

we play OSU, Indiana and Maryland cross division ... that is hardly murder's row

if you beat your divisional teams cross divisional schedule shouldn't matter

 

[timnsun]

Nice catch. I learned something new today. It seems a lot of Husker fans haven't learned by now that Nebraska isn't running away with anything. They are like Wisconsin, Iowa, etc and will win a few division and possibly even conference titles. Unless they hire someone bigger named than Mike Reilly.

I would tend to agree, we are not running away with anything, but we are setting the stage for just such a run. If we start compiling top 15 classes on a consistent basis, who in the west is going to contend? Our coaching isn't as bad as you assume it to be, assuming we figure some things out defensively. I know one recruiting class does not make a trend, and this class isn't even close to being finished yet, but when it comes to tradition, history, facilities, fans and the like, Nebraska has the total package in the west. Who in the west can match up? RILEY and company have done a fantastic job capitalizing on all of the positives of Nebraska football. I and most husker fans like what is going on in recruiting, and hopefully it translates into on the field success as well.

 

[SWIowahawks]

I would tend to agree, we are not running away with anything, but we are setting the stage for just such a run. If we start compiling top 15 classes on a consistent basis, who in the west is going to contend? Our coaching isn't as bad as you assume it to be, assuming we figure some things out defensively. I know one recruiting class does not make a trend, and this class isn't even close to being finished yet, but when it comes to tradition, history, facilities, fans and the like, Nebraska has the total package in the west. Who in the west can match up? RILEY and company have done a fantastic job capitalizing on all of the positives of Nebraska football. I and most husker fans like what is going on in recruiting, and hopefully it translates into on the field success as well.

I'd be excited if I was a Husker fan about the recruiting start. Still some glaring holes plus a staff that really hasn't shown to win consistently. Basically talking about Riley here. Don't sleep on the Hawks recruiting class. It won't be top 15 because they won't be taking 20 guys so total points won't get them there. Nebraska isn't the only team in the division making head room on a solid recruiting class. Should be a fun next few years.

 

[Bill_Callahan2.0]

I'd be excited if I was a Husker fan about the recruiting start. Still some glaring holes plus a staff that really hasn't shown to win consistently. Basically talking about Riley here. Don't sleep on the Hawks recruiting class. It won't be top 15 because they won't be taking 20 guys so total points won't get them there. Nebraska isn't the only team in the division making head room on a solid recruiting class. Should be a fun next few years.

Iowa's recruiting class never impresses anybody, this year is nice with a 5* legacy, but those don't come around all too often. Kirk really does more with less imo, he's a helluva coach.

Does Iowa have a shot at any other 4* recruits in this class? Not a flame, honest question. Knew about Eno for a while now but haven't heard of any other blue-chippers

 

[SWIowahawks]

Iowa's recruiting class never impresses anybody, this year is nice with a 5* legacy, but those don't come around all too often. Kirk really does more with less imo, he's a helluva coach.

Does Iowa have a shot at any other 4* recruits in this class? Not a flame, honest question. Knew about Eno for a while now but haven't heard of any other blue-chippers

Hoping Colbert turns into a 4-star. He is a 4 star by all the other services. Nominated to play in the Army AA game if he gets picked. Epenesa is only a four star on rivals bordering on a 5. There is a 4 star DE at IWCC that Iowa leads but I'm not sure how that plays into the 2017 ranking.

A couple offers and good feedback from some 4 star WR's but if I was a stud WR I wouldn't be going to Iowa. That's one thing Kirk has lacked at.

Now sure if Juan Harris will get bumped back up to a 4 star DT or not. It's going to be a small class with not a ton of offers out.

Maurice Bell is my number 1 need right now. There are other higher rated guys but I doubt that Iowa gets them. Maurice seems to have mutual interest with visiting Iowa City a week after Nebraska.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I'd be excited if I was a Husker fan about the recruiting start. Still some glaring holes plus a staff that really hasn't shown to win consistently. Basically talking about Riley here. Don't sleep on the Hawks recruiting class. It won't be top 15 because they won't be taking 20 guys so total points won't get them there. Nebraska isn't the only team in the division making head room on a solid recruiting class. Should be a fun next few years.

Other fan bases sometimes claim NU fans are delusional, but you Iowa fans take this to whole other level. look you have every right to be excited about the season you had but let's be honest here. You had very easy schedule. The only tough teams during the regular schedule you played all had first year coaches. You beat one on aa long field goal as time expired the second because they turned the ball over on your one yard line and NU gave away the game in turnovers despite holding a significant advantage in yardage.

Kirk was on the hot seat before last year began and he has not changed really anything. Your recruiting is subpar heck this year you have 7 in state recruits and a legacy player no offense but controlling the state of Iowa in recruiting is no accomplishment.

Iowa did not magically transform because of an easy schedule sorry

 

[Charlie Marlow]

we played in the BIG12 north and now in the BIG ten west .. by comparison the teams the other divisions had/have much, much more difficult schedules every year ... we will likely have a far easier path to the conference championship game every single year than PSU, Mich State, Indiana, etc ... much like we did in the Big12 North as opposed to the South teams

we play OSU, Indiana and Maryland cross division ... that is hardly murder's row

if you beat your divisional teams cross divisional schedule shouldn't matter

I'm not comparing divisions, I'm comparing teams within our own division. The schedules should be rotated fairly, but they are not. At least the Big 12 got that right. We inherently get a smaller margin of error year after year.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I'm not comparing divisions, I'm comparing teams within our own division. The schedules should be rotated fairly, but they are not. At least the Big 12 got that right. We inherently get a smaller margin of error year after year.

why this is done really makes no difference it creates a competitive edge for the teams with weak schedules ( or is it team) The excuse the schedules are set years in advance also does not cut it with the East/West divisions just formed. Iowa will play OSU ( arguably the conferences best team now and in the past) two times over this ten period since NU joined the Big10 - Not only is it wrong it is not good for the fans imo

 

[SWIowahawks]

Other fan bases sometimes claim NU fans are delusional, but you Iowa fans take this to whole other level. look you have every right to be excited about the season you had but let's be honest here. You had very easy schedule. The only tough teams during the regular schedule you played all had first year coaches. You beat one on aa long field goal as time expired the second because they turned the ball over on your one yard line and NU gave away the game in turnovers despite holding a significant advantage in yardage.

Kirk was on the hot seat before last year began and he has not changed really anything. Your recruiting is subpar heck this year you have 7 in state recruits and a legacy player no offense but controlling the state of Iowa in recruiting is no accomplishment.

Iowa did not magically transform because of an easy schedule sorry

All I have to say about Iowa's 2015 schedule is that Wisconsin had an even easier one and didn't go 8-0 in conference.

Iowa's success will always be on getting the trenchmen from instate and trying to get some out of state skill players. Which is what is happening this year. Gotta lock down the home crowd.