Ken Haddad's Blog

So, if you haven't heard, the Big Ten added a twelfth team, taking effect next year. That team being Nebraska, thus causing the Big Ten to split into two separate divisions.

First of all, I could think of at least three teams who would have been a better fit for the Big Ten (Notre Dame, UConn, Missouri), but I guess I'll have to get used to another loss on the schedule. Nebraska is no joke, ranked a top ten team in the pre-season, and a pretty solid pick to win the Big 12 this year, as well as make a run at the national championship. Michigan and Michigan State are going to have to step it up if they want to keep competing, or at least trying (Michigan) to compete.

As for this year, it's really a two team race in the big ten. Ohio State vs Iowa. I don't see any other team except MAYBE Wisconsin, if they can stay healthy, making a run. Teams like Penn State and Michigan State will provide good match ups for them also.



Michigan of course, coming off two disappointing seasons, must win some games this year.
Rich Rodriguez is on the proverbial hot seat this year, and it's already not off to a very good start. With players transferring, and injuries in camp. Troy Wilfolk, possibly the best corner Michigan has, is out for the year, which add's to an already beat up, and lets face it, horrible secondary. The overall defense is not good, which doesn't boad well for the offense. I'll give them no more than 7 wins, but that's if the offense can put up points, because thats the only way they win. Of course, depending on who the QB is, Tate Forcier, or Denard Robinson, they will have to be efficient with the ball, and RUN the ball well to win. I do like the new UM AD. I trust he'll make the right decision.


Michigan State is plagued by some of the same issues. But one major issue State doesn't have that Michigan does, is that of QB.
Kirk Cousins is one of the best QB's in the Big Ten this year, but if his defense can't stop teams, he might have a rough year. Jake Porter told me that Nick Hill is going to be a star, I don't know about that, but I'll take his word for it. As long as State doesn't go around beating kids up this year, I can see them winning up to 9 games. Go Green! Go... sigh.

Another issue I have, is the thought of moving the UM vs OSU game. I don't think thats an option. It would in some ways kill the rivalry. It's tradition, it's the biggest rivalry in college football. If they change it, it won't be the same.

Hopefully everything works out. For the sake of college football. Good day. Go Blue.