Big Ten Finale
What a long, strange, glorious ride this season has been. 6-5 was expected, 7-4 would have been nice, and 8-3 was downright unthinkable. Now, the Nits are a win away from going 10-1. 10-1. Wow. I think I'll take that!
But, can't get ahead of ourselves yet, can we? Michigan State is a dangerous opponent fighting for bowl eligibility. Just like last year. Seems these games are a lopsided affair, with the home team winning decisively. Would be nice to see a reversal of that trend. Read something nice the other day that said the visiting team has won only 3 times in the last 12 meetings...Penn State was the winner all 3 times.
Keys to the game:
- Weather: Supposed to be cold and rainy. Could mean that PSU keeps it on the ground (as MRob is not the most accurate of passers--55% completion rate). This could be good, as Minnesota gashed the Spartan's D for 300+ yards on the ground last week. Could also mean a tough day for Drew Stanton, though I think this guy could throw during a tornado.
- Turnovers: In their lone loss, PSU lost the turnover battle. Two weeks ago, against Wisconsin, they looked a little careless. The D does well after a turnover (allowing few points), but an early turnover could give the Spartans confidence.
- Motivation: Have the Spartans really quit? If so, an early TD by the Lions could slam the door quick.
- Focus: The team has been preaching the "one game at a time" mantra the whole season. Are they looking ahead to the BCS? Hope not.
Should be an interesting game. Like I was for each of the last 10 games, I'm scared to death of this one. Prediction will follow later.
As for the other games...gotta love rivalry week!
Auburn 23, Alabama 16: Tide D can't bail out the O every week (see last year's PSU team).
Va Tech 47, UVa 10: Someone's still angry over the prime time loss to the 'Canes.
S. Carolina 27, Clemson 26: SEC has a new badboy in the conference...no, it's not Steve Taneyhill.
Michigan 23, Ohio State 21: Will go down as a classic in the rivalry with a game winning special teams play in the final quarter.
and, finally...
PENN STATE 40, Sparty 17--Lions have too much talent, depth, and drive to let this one get away.
For the Glory...
But, can't get ahead of ourselves yet, can we? Michigan State is a dangerous opponent fighting for bowl eligibility. Just like last year. Seems these games are a lopsided affair, with the home team winning decisively. Would be nice to see a reversal of that trend. Read something nice the other day that said the visiting team has won only 3 times in the last 12 meetings...Penn State was the winner all 3 times.
Keys to the game:
- Weather: Supposed to be cold and rainy. Could mean that PSU keeps it on the ground (as MRob is not the most accurate of passers--55% completion rate). This could be good, as Minnesota gashed the Spartan's D for 300+ yards on the ground last week. Could also mean a tough day for Drew Stanton, though I think this guy could throw during a tornado.
- Turnovers: In their lone loss, PSU lost the turnover battle. Two weeks ago, against Wisconsin, they looked a little careless. The D does well after a turnover (allowing few points), but an early turnover could give the Spartans confidence.
- Motivation: Have the Spartans really quit? If so, an early TD by the Lions could slam the door quick.
- Focus: The team has been preaching the "one game at a time" mantra the whole season. Are they looking ahead to the BCS? Hope not.
Should be an interesting game. Like I was for each of the last 10 games, I'm scared to death of this one. Prediction will follow later.
As for the other games...gotta love rivalry week!
Auburn 23, Alabama 16: Tide D can't bail out the O every week (see last year's PSU team).
Va Tech 47, UVa 10: Someone's still angry over the prime time loss to the 'Canes.
S. Carolina 27, Clemson 26: SEC has a new badboy in the conference...no, it's not Steve Taneyhill.
Michigan 23, Ohio State 21: Will go down as a classic in the rivalry with a game winning special teams play in the final quarter.
and, finally...
PENN STATE 40, Sparty 17--Lions have too much talent, depth, and drive to let this one get away.
For the Glory...
posted by HappyValley at 5:33 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home