3 Burning Questions About The Big Ten And College Football

This combo is dangerous.

The Big Ten wrapped up its' inaugural Championship game this past weekend in Indianapolis as the Wisconsin Badgers squeaked by the Michigan St. Spartans in a thriller. The game was a classic back-and-forth contest that featured numerous lead changes, stellar running back play and some big hits that are commonplace here in the Midwest. I thought it was a great showcase game for the Big Ten which allowed our great conference to remain in the discussion one precious week later than years past. I believe that extra exposure was instrumental in getting the conference 2 BCS bids for yet another year even when it appeared the Big Ten was a little down this season. It didn't hurt that the game was a barn burner as well.

As I sat watching the game unfold in the Mandalay Bay sports book in fabulous Las Vegas on Saturday, I pondered some questions to discuss for Inside the Shoe. Is Wisconsin the right team to represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl this year? Did Michigan deserve to get a BCS bid? Does Monte Ball deserve to be a finalist for the Heisman? Finally, why did I bet football parlays instead of just sticking to the Blackjack table? I have definitive answers for the first three but am still dumbfounded by putting my hard earned Blackjack money on College Football. Lesson learned I suppose so let's get back to football rather than discuss my foolish betting practices. Early on this season Wisconsin looked as if it could waltz into the National Championship game with ease. They were destroying opponents with the running game and signed..err gained access to a stud quarterback without having to wait a year.


 The Badgers were rolling until a pair of epic last-second bombs ruined any chance of a trip to New Orleans (I totally bragged to some Wisconsin fans in Vegas this weekend about being there). Even with those few hiccups, the Badgers were able to pick themselves off the turf and turn in a season to be proud of. With the victory over the Spartans, they will be the team to represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl against the Ducks. Honestly, I think they have the best chance at winning that game. I'm pretty stoked they will be the team to take on that vaunted Oregon offense. Their defense is pretty solid but wait until those west-coasters get a load of that offensive line. Wisky may give up a bunch of points but they can put them right back on the board with that offense.

Those long, soul-crushing drives that Wisconsin likes to go on may be the ticket to keeping the quack attack on the sideline. This is definitely the squad to send to Pasadena in attempt to save some face for the conference this year. The other team to cash in on the BC$ will be Michigan. As much as I want to bitch and moan the fact they got in I kind of think they deserve the shot this year.

It was a rough tenure for one Rich Rodriguez (nice hire Arizona LOL) and Michigan fans everywhere are coming out of hibernation to talk a little smack. You know what? I kind of enjoy it. As nice as 3000 days would've been, it is great to have the rivalry get a little heated again. OSU had been curb-stompin those fools for so long I forgot what kind of hatred and passion this rivalry can emit. Two losses in a major conference is good enough to get you in and I am happy to have another BCS game to get interested in.

If given the choice I would most definitely have the Buckeyes playing somewhere important (no offense to the Urban bowl) but let the kids have some fun this year before Meyer starts another 8 year run next season. Monte Ball will be making the trip to New York in a bid to become the 3rd Badger to hoist the Heisman trophy. I think he is a long shot but it isn't for lack of numbers. His stats are F'n gaudy this year. I know I am a Big Ten homer but I would vote for him in a second. The guys has 1759 yards rushing, 255 yards receiving and 38 total touchdowns. 38 TOUCHDOWNS!

Did the Buckeye's even score 38 as a team this year? They probably did and I am too lazy to look it up but 38 TD's is impressive to say the least. Sure OSU shut his ass down (this is still a Buckeye blog you know!) but he ravaged almost everyone else on the schedule. The guy is a beast. I hope the voters can get over the popularity contest and look at the raw data before they cast their ballots. The Heisman has become way too high-schoolish (yeah it's a word now) over the years and I wish it would go to the player that deserves it the most. Not the guy with the best hair or charisma.

After re-reading this, I really came off pro Wisconsin and pro Michigan. YUCK! I feel like I need a hot shower followed by some personal time to cry and reflect on what I've just written. This is what happens during bowl season though. I start to think of the Big Ten as my team... better yet my family.

I root for the conference hard-core and start to defend us on the message boards (mostly against those mouth-breathers from the south). The Big Ten could really use a bounce-back year and I can't stand to root against them no matter who it is playing. I'm just wired that way I guess. The bowl season starts soon so enjoy because it will be over before you know it.