Iowa win ushers in Big Ten Bowl Predictions

Despite my best efforts, I've always been a sucker for the underdog story; the Lions will make a comeback, Northwestern basketball will advance to the NCAA tournament, etc. But I still could not manage to circle Iowa when it came time for my NCAA football bowl Pick 'em.

I mean, they lost their top runningback (who just got picked up for pot possession, way to make it hard on yourself there slugger), an excellent wide receiver and another decent runningback due to off-the-field issues, something one could consider an distraction.

One would obviously be wrong. Despite facing a Mizzou squad that was 10-2 and spent a considerable amount of time in the Top 25 throughout 2010, Iowa unveiled their secret-weapon: freshman Marcus Coker. The kid entered the Insight Bowl having more than 20 touches only twice during the regular season, and decides to shred the Tiger defense, striding his way to 219 yards and two scores.

The pick-six from Micah Hyde didn't hurt, either. 

So does the 27-24 Hawkeye victory bode well for the rest of the Big Ten bowl games? Through careful analysis and introspection (and a fair amount of biased opinion) I've broken-down the remaining matchups.

Here we go:

TEXAS BOWL: Illinois (6-6) vs Baylor (7-5)

The Illini did post a blow-out win at Wrigley against my 'Cats, but it really wasn't all the impressive. NU had just lost QB Dan Persa, with untested Evan Watkins and Kain Colter trying to run the ship. Take into account Illinois losses against Michigan and at home versus lowly Minnesota, and the odds continue to tip in Baylor's favor.

The Bears are on a bit of a cold-streak themselves though: winning seven of their first nine games, they dropped the final three matches of the season. Granted, those losses came against Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.

PREDICTION: Baylor 35, Illinois 28

Mikel Leshoure will get his yards, but the Illini haven't faced anything like Baylor quarterback Robert Griffen all season. He's thrown for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns, in addition to earning 591 yards and eight tds on the ground. Baylor does surrender a lot of points, but look for them to win this offensive battle.

TICKETCITY BOWL: Northwestern (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (7-5)

Opening the year with a 5-0 record, the 'Cats seemed poised to prove they were no longer a doormat in the Big Ten. Tough losses to Purdue, Michigan State and Penn State showed NU may need a little more time before they're in talk for a conference title, though. They showed glimpses of greatness against Iowa, when they stormed back to beat the Hawkeyes, but they may have suffered the biggest loss of the season during the game: quarterback Dan Persa fell victim to a season-ending leg injury. Rattled, the 'Cats were thumped by Illinois and Wisconsin in their final two games.

The Red Raiders have had their own version of an up-and-down year. In Head Coach Tommy Tubberville's first season, Tech has beaten the likes of Baylor and Missouri, only to fall to Iowa State and Texas. After a loss to Oklahoma pushed the Raider's record to 5-5, Tech won their final two games of the season to become bowl eligible.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 24, Texas Tech 21  

The Red Raiders may have seven wins, but their last win against a meaningful opponent came November 6 versus Missouri. Their final two games of the season were against Weber State and Houston, less-than-challenging opponents. Meanwhile, Northwestern has had time to adapt to life without Persa, and should be ready to prevail in a matchup that will be in doubt right until the end.

OUTBACK BOWL: Penn State (7-5) vs. Floria (7-5)

The Nittany Lions may have lost two of their last three games, but the caliber of the teams that have beaten Penn State is impressive: Alambama, Iowa, Illinois (ok, maybe not THAT impressive), Ohio State and Michigan State. They've scored at least 31 points in their last four victories, thanks to a stabilization of the offense from quarterback Matt McGloin.

The post-Tebow era for the Gators has not been devastating, but the lack of their All-Universe quarterback certainly had an affect. Florida fell to rival Florida State in the final game of the year, and they hadn't faced a quality D-I opponent since their overtime defeat of Georgia (and the Bulldogs classification as "quality" is rather shaky.) Still, Florida did post wins against Tennessee and Kentucky.

PREDICTION: Florida 28, Penn State 27

Neither team gives up too many points per game, but neither can really score against big defenses, either. So what gives the Gators the edge? Simple: they'll send Head Coach Urban Meyer into the sunset with a victory.

CAPITAL ONE BOWL: Michigan State (11-1) vs. Alabama (9-3)

Miracle. Dream. Unbelievable. These are just a few words fans have associated with Sparty's season so far. And, at first glance, their 11-1 record does seem to justify those claims. Aside from a forgettable Saturday in Iowa, the Green and white have handled all foes, including a 34-24 win against Wisconsin.

After winning the 2009-10 National Championship, the Tide has been unable to roll quite as easily this year. A loss to South Carolina shocked the national earlier in the year, while their 28-27 season-ending defeat against Auburn surely left a sour taste in their mouths.

PREDICTION: Alabama 38, Michigan State 17

Wine all you want Spartan fans, their is one word you forgot to include about your 2010 season: lucky. With games against Notre Dame, Northwestern, Purdue and Penn State that easily could have gone the other way, MSU has walked a fine line from day one. Plus, their win against the Badgers came when stud runningback John Clay was on the bench. And can you find a quality win in their schedule? Good luck, because I really can't. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide have beaten the likes of Arkansas, Florida and Mississippi State, and only lost to No. 2 Auburn by one point. Bottom line: Hope you didn't drop a lot of money to go see this game, Sparty-faithful, because your luck has most certainly run out.

GATOR BOWL: Michigan (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4)

The 5-0 Wolverine start had everyone in the entire state of Michigan batting the dust off of their Blue-and-Gold gear. Losing five of their last seven may have sent those garments back to the attic, however. Regardless, Michigan boasts arguably the best offensive weapon in the country in Denard Robinson, and they will surely rely on him heavily if they plan to win their first bowl appearance in Rich Rod's tenure.

The Bulldog's four losses have come via ridiculously-good teams: Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. They were able to generally hold their own in those contests, especially against Auburn, when they held Cam Newton to only 70 yards on 18 carries. Still, their wins have come against mediocre opponents.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 35, Michigan 21

I would love to give the nod to the Wolverines here, because frankly, no one expects them to win. Still, the Bulldogs' defense showing against Newton does not bode well for Robinson. Plus, the fact that Mississippi State rushes for over 250 yards per game has got to have those shaky Michigan tacklers sweating already.

ROSE BOWL: Wisconsin (11-1) vs. TCU (12-0)

The Badgers average almost 45 points per game, ranking fourth in the nation. Aside from a 34-24 loss to Michigan State, they have generally man-handled everyone of their opponents. Thanks to almost 250 yards on the ground per contest, Wisco has put up 70 points or more three times in 2010.

The Horned Frogs are no joke though. No foe has come within eight points of TCU, thanks in large part to the almost 45 points per game and allowing just over 11 points per battle (ranking first in the country).

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 40, TCU 28

Look at the teams TCU has played: only two have been ranked at the time of the game (Oregon State and Utah) and neither probably deserved those rankings. Meanwhile, Wisconsin dethroned the Buckeyes when they were No. 1 in the nation, and bested No. 15 Iowa the following week. Don't get me wrong, TCU is forced to play the teams on its schedule, and they deserve the chance to prove that they belong in the national conversation. They just won't be able to withstand the battle-tested Badgers


SUGAR BOWL: ANALYSIS TO COME!
  

Is Midwest Basketball a Joke or Lovable Losers?

The NBA Central Division in the Eastern Conference is where the Midwest teams lay. The Chicago Bulls lead the pack with a 7-4 record. Other than that, no other team is above .500. The Indiana Pacers are in 2nd. I will repeat: The Indiana Pacers are in 2nd. As of right now, dare I say that only the division leader will make the playoffs for the East? And don't even get me started on the midwest representative in the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves (although Kevin Love's 30-30 game was incredible).

Have the midwestern professional teams become the Cubs of basketball, lovable losers? Earlier I described how the Milwaukee Bucks are more competitive than their record shows. I still stand by that statement, and want to include the Cleveland Cavaliers in that category. The post-Lebron era has gone smoothly thanks to the coaching of Byron Scott (oh just imagine if Lebron had been on that team with a real coach instead of goofy Mike Brown).

Despite these competitive teams, the results are the same.

Maybe it's bad luck. But the teams aren't even winning on their home floors. The Bulls are the only team with a winning home record right now. None have a winning record on the road.

And yes, I know that it is early and the season is long and everything. But I was very surprised to see that the only other division that only has one team above .500 is the Atlantic in the East (which besides Boston is also a joke division). I just wonder if these teams have what it takes to become elite. Remember the Pacers with Reggie Miller back in the day? Earlier this decade the Pistons were the most feared team in the league. The 90s was defined by Midwest basketball with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

Now these teams are defined by opening montages (Bulls), Broadcast Announcers (Pistons-er rather DETROIT BASKETBALLLLLL), and new logos every year (Cavaliers). When will these teams be recognized for being contenders?

Maybe the teams will pick it up once Football season ends...

Midwest Memories: Detroit Lions' 1995 Draft Class

In a new series, the Waterboy chronicles a different piece of Midwestern lore each week. Even though they may be gone, these moments of the Midwest should not be forgotten. Have an idea for a topic? Send it to the Waterboy!

Any fan of the Black and Blue Division may scratch their head at the idea of a decent draft class coming to the D. And with recent (and not so recent) draftees not quite panning out (read: embarrassing the name of football) during their time in Motown, it is legitimate to question any sort of time devoted to a story not about the Lions and their talent to take players woefully lacking any of their own.

But, back in the days before Charles Rodgers, Mike Williams, Stockar McDougal or any other Matt Millen mistake, there were some Drafts to admire. Specifically, the draft in 1995 should go down as possibly the greatest by any Detroit organization ever, and is arguably better than any other NFC North's selection in the decade.

That's bold talk for the boys in Honolulu Blue--time to back it up. The Lions had eight selections in the draft, none coming in either the second or fourth rounds, and still managed to grab four of the most revered and talented Detroiters in team history. Here's the break down:

ROUND 1: Luther Ellis, DE, Utah
The pass-rushing guru played nine seasons in the D, recording 324 total tackles and 27 sacks. He earned Pro Bowl bids after the 1999 and 2000 campaigns.

ROUND 3: David Sloan, TE, New Mexico

At 6'6", 260 lbs, this bruiser provided a boost in both the run and passing games. He spent seven years in Detroit, catching 180 passes for 2,024 yards and 15 touchdowns. Sloan got the Pro Bowl nod after the 1999 season, when he had 47 catches for 591 yards and four scores.

ROUND 5: Stephan Boyd, LB, Boston College

This maniac in the middle decimated runningbacks for his entire seven year career with the Lions. He made back to back trips to the Pro Bowl in 1999 and 2000, after recording 128 and 139 tackles in those years, respectively. In a career shortened by injury he managed 576 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

ROUND 5: Kez McCorvey, WR, Florida State

Perhaps the first but certainly not the last of Detroit's poor decisions at wide receiver, McCorvey recorded only two catches in three seasons with the team. This was a team with Barry Sanders, mind you.

ROUND 5: Ronald Cherry, T, McNeese State
Never played a down in the D. Makes McDougal and Cherilus look pretty decent.

ROUND 6: Kevin Hickman, TE, Navy
A blocking tight end, he played in 13 games over three seasons with the team.

ROUND 6: Cory Schlesinger, FB, Nebraska

The most underrated player in the NFL during his career. While his stats may not blow you away (475 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, 197 catches for 1445 and nine scores through the air) his insanity as a blocker certainly left middle linebackers crawling off the field for 12 seasons. He was a Pro Bowl alternate from 2003 to 2005, and may be remembered most fondly for his ability to shatter facemasks. It is reported he broke over 200 during his career, including 20 during the 2003 season, when he played in only 13 games.

Last I heard he was a teacher at Allen Park High School. Think any one has ever talked-back in that class? Could you imagine what would happen if a kid shot a spit wad at him? Gives me shivers...

ROUND 7: Hessley Hempstead, G, Kansas
This draft may also be in the running for strangest names for Lions players; Hempstead played in 32 games over three years for Detroit, earning one start.

I challenge you to find a better draft class for the Lions: Eight Pro Bowls and more popularity than any of the current Lions put together. Now if only they had taken Terrell Davis (who went four picks after Schlesinger) instead of McCorvey, Cherry or Hickman, the Lions may have done even better than the 10-6 record they managed in 1995.

The Best Way to Bag a Grand Daddy Deer

By BillyB

There is frost on the pumpkin, the stars are out, your breath is visible, and it’s a half an hour until daylight. It’s Opening Day of deer season, a perfect morning. Expectations are high and you know that big buck is going to come and visit you this morning.

You turn on your flashlight as you enter the woods. You are walking carefully and quietly, your partner steps on a branch. CRACK. You cringe and wish the sound away but it reverberates through the woods. Stealthily, you continue on to your deer blind. The sun is coming up as you are sitting in your blind and watching the woods.

“Are those antlers?” you wonder as you strain to see through the first light of day; it’s just a branch waving in the wind. Your heart returns to a normal rhythm. Time slowly passes and you start to get a chill. Out comes the heater, out comes the coffee. It's time to play cards. Silently, you deal while scanning the woods. You and your hunting buddy both check your weapons to be double sure they are ready and at hand.

There is a rustle of leaves! “Deer?” you wonder but you see it’s just a squirrel. You debate shooting it but decide to wait for the Big Buck. The Big One will be by shortly, you are sure of it. Time continues to crawl. Soon it will be lunch and you will have to decide to go back to camp or eat in the blind. Decisions, Decisions. There are always tough choices in life.

Again there is a rustle of leaves, this time it’s followed by a snort. The cards are set to the side, weapons are in hand and loaded now. Your heart starts to race; sure enough it’s a deer. Not only is it a deer, it is The Big One, the Grand Daddy of all deer! He is walking right down the trail towards the blind. Quickly, with hand signals and nods of the head it is decided that both will shoot. Hopefully one will hit him and hopefully it is your shot.

The Big One, Grand Daddy, sniffs the air; does he smell you? Ideally, it’s the apple schnapps he smells and not the venison steak you had for breakfast. He walks closer and soon he is within 10 yards. Weapons are raised. You both fire! Two spots appear! Perfect shots! One blue, one green. You congratulate each other as Grand Daddy runs off, unscathed.

Time to go back to camp with a story for all to hear. You load up the cards, turn off the stove, pack your coffee cup, put the lid back on the paint ball jar and put your trusty sling shot in your back pocket. A perfect Opening Day. You have out witted the wily whitetail, you don’t have to track him into the swamp, get all bloody cleaning him and have a heart attack dragging him out of the woods.

What a great new sport, hunting with paint balls and slingshots. Life is good.

If you can't take the heat, stay out of the NFL

Unless you've been under a rock, you know that the NFL is now fining for "illegal" hits and tackles. The central focus is on helmet to helmet hits in hopes to reduce concussions and head injuries. I agree with reducing concussions and injuries. But to think there aren't going to be injuries is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Period. Do you know what football is?

Austin Collie suffered a big hit last night in the Indianapolis Colts vs. Philadelphia Eagles game. It was a scary moment seeing him lie limply on the ground. But the hit was legal. Wasn't it? He caught the ball, got tackled and unfortunately his helmet hit the helmet of Eagles Safety Kurt Coleman. (This hit wasn't fined by the league). These are the type of injuries that we want to avoid, but it happened with a legal hit. And yet Green Bay Packers Safety Nick Collins was fined for his hit on Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams.

The sport is 11 guys versus 11 guys. To stop a guy from making a touchdown with the ball, you have to tackle him. As in, throw your body at him and use your muscle to get him on the ground. Of course there are injuries this way. That comes with the game. If you don't want to get hurt, don't play the game.

I am all for fining players for malicious hits or harmful intent. But when contact happens in a contact sport, why should there be a penalty? People know what they are getting into. It also humors me how there are these "shocking" studies that older football players and boxers are now revealed to have head trauma in their later years. Is it any surprise to anyone that after spending 15 years of your life making a living from pounding your head to the ground will lead to head problems later in life?

Is it just me or have sports gotten softer through the years? Michael Jordan claimed that he could score 100 points in todays era of NBA. As ridiculous as this sounds, he could probably come pretty close. The NBA calls fouls for any contact. And now hard fouls are flagrants and almost automatic ejections. Do you remember the days of Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman? Those guys played harder in the NBA than most NFL players do for their league.

The NHL allows (and secretly encourages) fights in their league. There is an unwritten code amongst players that once the fight falls to the ice, it is over. Same with the MLB. Benches clear once batters approach pitchers and teammates pull each other off. Then the game resumes. And yet in the biggest league and fundamental contact sport, the NFL, you have to let up when tackling a guy. Is this a way to secretly promote more offense? I'm all for keeping athletes safe, but at what point do you completely compromise how to the play the game?

What's next? Fining boxers for hitting their opponent in the head?