ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Seems like this little rant struck quite the chord.

Jack from Midwest City, Okla., writes: Adam what have you been drinking. USC got beat by an 0-12 team! OSU could've beaten SC if they had a QB. OU is playing with a backup QB. This will all be disspelled after the Miami-OU game. If the backup QB (Landry Jones) goes into Miami and wins, then watch out! I think you media guys are the ones that set the tone! Just like the FSU-BYU game Saturday it reminds me of the OU-TTU game last year I think the best teams won but it is certainly not indicative of the difference in the two teams. Sometimes teams get on a roll and that's called college football!

Adam Rittenberg: Well, we can agree on that last sentence, Jack, but let's explore your logic. USC didn't get beat by an 0-12 team. USC got beat by a 1-1 team that gave LSU a game and has its standout quarterback (Jake Locker) back on the field. The Trojans also played with their backup quarterback (Aaron Corp). Now I agree if Jones goes into Miami and beats the surging Canes, Oklahoma should definitely get the nod over Ohio State. But to this point in the season, before conference play begins, Ohio State has a better resume than the Sooners. The BYU loss looks worse than the USC loss because of what BYU did against Florida State.

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Donovan Clark from Tulsa, Okla., writes: Adam, i know you are a Big 10 homer - but seriously, were there tears in your eyes when you wrote this awful story about how OSU doesnt get ragged on like OU? Listen, OU plays in a very good conference - the same can NOT be said about OSU. Yes, yes, yes i know about the BCS bowl losses, but hey, who wouldnt want to get to 4 (count em 4!) national championship games in 10 years? And OU won one of them!! Every team would love that to be at that level. Stop crying. OU lost their QB and the best tight end in the country, and lost to a good team on a neutral site - by 1 freaking point. Dude, are you blind?? Do you not realize that OSU barely beat Navy at home at full strength?? Come on man, you are so biased, it's shameful. Your momma ought to slap you. Anyway, i have left my real name and real email address in the fields to the left. So please reply anytime. Big 10 = weak; Big IX = strong

Adam Rittenberg: Don't be talkin' bout my momma. You know the funny thing, Donovan? Your comment about national championship games and "every team would love to be at that level" sounds awfully familiar. I hear it all the time from Ohio State fans because they can make the same case as Oklahoma fans. Yet their team regularly gets trashed while Oklahoma gets a pass. Ohio State's win against Navy certainly wasn't impressive, but BYU lost a ton of credibility by performing like it did against Florida State. And what's the Big IX? Is that a new conference?

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Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Ohio State Buckeyes are victims of a double standard, and they deserve better.

	Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
	Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes are victims of a double standard.

Ohio State has seen its national approval rating steadily decline since the 2007 BCS national title game, the first of six consecutive losses against top 5 opponents. Much of the heat directed toward Columbus is warranted. Ohio State has disappointed the national media on the game's biggest stage several times, and despite a series of strong recruiting classes, the team has underachieved in several areas, namely along the offensive line.

But another national powerhouse deserves the same treatment. Another big-name has been just as disappointing in big games, if not worse. And yet that team continues to escape the hate. Meet the Oklahoma Sooners. They're apparently made out of Teflon.

Let's review some of the similarities between Ohio State and Oklahoma:

• Ohio State has a three-game losing streak in BCS bowls; Oklahoma has dropped five consecutive BCS bowls, including games in each of the last three seasons.
• Ohio State suffered two blowout losses in the national title game; Oklahoma fell to USC 55-19 in the 2005 Orange Bowl, which gave the Trojans the national championship. The Sooners also suffered a 20-point loss to a West Virginia team that had just lost its head coach in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. And they lost to non-BCS Boise State.
• Both teams have had Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks (Troy Smith and Sam Bradford) stumble in the national title game.
• Both teams have taken care of business in their leagues. Ohio State has won or shared the last four Big Ten titles. Oklahoma has won the last three Big 12 championships.

Despite the parallels, Ohio State continues to be the nation's piñata, while Big Game Bob Stoops and the Sooners get a pass. The latest example arrived Sunday, as Ohio State moved down two spots to No. 13 in the AP Poll, while Oklahoma moved up two spots to No. 10.

What happened Saturday? Ohio State pounded Toledo 38-0 in Cleveland, the same Rockets team that had embarrassed Big 12 member Colorado the previous week. Oklahoma crushed Tulsa 45-0, a very solid win without Bradford at the helm.

Still, I don't see much of a difference here. So why the shuffle in the polls?

Perhaps it's because USC, which beat Ohio State in Columbus on Sept. 12, lost to unranked Washington in Seattle. Meanwhile, a BYU team that beat Oklahoma in Dallas on Sept. 5 got utterly embarrassed on its home field by Florida State.

Explain to me how USC's loss, which came on the road with the backup quarterback (Aaron Corp) at the helm, should punish Ohio State, while BYU's loss, which came with the Cougars at full strength and on their home field, rewards Oklahoma.

It's ridiculous. And it needs to stop.

I don't vote in the AP Poll. For what it's worth, I have USC at No. 11, Ohio State at No. 12 and Oklahoma at No. 13 in my most recent ESPN.com power rankings.

People can pick on Ohio State until the Buckeyes win a big nonconference game. But Oklahoma deserves the exact same treatment.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A few questions and answers before the weekend.

Donny from Decatur, Ill., writes: I've been hearing a lot of the hype surrounding this years Illinios receivers, everything from "Maybe the best in the country", "best in the Big Ten". Maybe it's because I am in Illinois. But I am excited to go see these guys in action this year. What are your thoughts on them this year? Do you think they will live up to the hype? WithBenn, Cumberland, Sykes, Jenkins, Duvalt, James, and TE Hoomanawanui and Newcomers/Red shirts etc. Fayson, Ramsey, Scottand Hawthorne the Illini look to have a very solid group for a few years to come. Also Juice has gotten better with every year he has played. What do you truly expect from these guys this year?

Adam Rittenberg: Well, since I've been writing some of those things myself, I'd say my opinion is pretty high of Illinois' group. As an Illini fan, you have the right to get very excited about these wideouts. Arrelious Benn will contend for All-America honors this fall, and Illinois could have a legit No. 2 receiver to complement Benn in Jarred Fayson. I never thought Jeff Cumberland could truly be a No. 2, and now he won't have to be. But all those weapons you list easily make Illinois the best receiving corps in the Big Ten. If Juice Williams gets time to throw, look out.

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Brian from Dayton, Ohio, writes: Could you explain why OSU has only 16 scholarships available (I think) but they lost 33 players from last year?

Adam Rittenberg: Ohio State signed a fairly large class in February (25 recruits), which accounted for most of the graduation losses. The Buckeyes also boast a pretty sizable junior class, which includes true juniors like Brandon Saine, redshirt juniors like Thad Gibson and even transfers like Justin Boren (Michigan). You always have to factor in the number of redshirted players and the number of fifth-year seniors when calculating how big or small a recruiting class will be.

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Derek from New Jersey writes: I saw you posted a lunch-link about Minnesota's new stadium. I also watched a video about it. I was just wondering, from somebody who has been there, what your thoughts on it were. Is it built up (ie: Beaver Stadium) or out (Michigan Stadium)? Do you know where the student section will be in the horshoe stadium, or how many seats will be blocked off for them? Any neat novelties worth mentioning? It's not often a college team gets an all new stadium. Thanks for any extra insight!

Adam Rittenberg: TCF Bank Stadium breaks the traditional mold of most Big Ten football facilities. For starters, it is located in a major metropolitan area, which will be a big part in the atmosphere surrounding the stadium. Fans in the upper deck and suites will get a great view of downtown Minneapolis. It definitely doesn't compare with any of the huge Big Ten facilities in terms of size, though it could expand to 80,000 seats if Minnesota chooses to add another deck. The student section will be in the east (non-open) end of the horseshoe, near the Gophers' tunnel. As far as novelties, the massive scoreboard in the open end will be pretty cool. Fans also will be able to see the field while walking along the main concourse. There isn't much excess space on the field footprint, so fans will be very close to the action. Overall, it should be a great venue, and I love the fact that Minnesota didn't build something too big to start off. For more, check out my tour of the facility back in November.

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Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Here's a quick reminder of where Big Ten teams stand in the bowl mix heading into the final weekend of the regular season. If you want two Big Ten teams in BCS bowls, you might want to purchase an Arizona shirt or learn the lines to "Bear Down, Arizona."

Big Ten bowl tie-ins (in order of selection): Rose/BCS, Capital One, Outback, Alamo, Champs Sports, Insight, Motor City

BOWL ELIGIBLE

No. 8 Penn State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) -- It's pretty simple for the Nittany Lions. Beat Michigan State and go to the Rose Bowl for the first time since Jan. 1, 1995. Lose to the Spartans, and it's probably the Capital One Bowl. Penn State acknowledged after the Iowa loss that its national title hopes were essentially gone, but Saturday provides a great opportunity to finish strong.

No. 10 Ohio State (9-2, 6-1) -- The Buckeyes will be scoreboard watching more than any other Big Ten team, provided they can handle archrival Michigan. A win against the Wolverines combined with a Penn State loss sends Ohio State to Pasadena for the first time since 1997. Even if Penn State wins, Ohio State has a chance for a BCS at-large berth but likely would need Oregon State to drop one of its last two games, clearing the way for USC to reach the Rose Bowl. Should Ohio State lose, it will fall to the Capital One or Outback bowl. 

No. 15 Michigan State (9-2, 6-1) -- Perhaps the most interesting bowl scenario calls for a Michigan State upset of Penn State and an Ohio State win against Michigan. The Buckeyes would go to the Rose Bowl because of the head-to-head edge, but Michigan State could be in the mix for a BCS at-large berth if Oregon State stumbles down the stretch. In this case, it might come down to Michigan State against a second non-BCS team (Boise State, BYU) for the final at-large spot. A Spartans loss in State College puts them in the Capital One or Outback bowl.

Northwestern (8-3, 4-3) -- The best-case scenario for Northwestern would be a win Saturday against Illinois, an Iowa loss to Minnesota and two Big Ten teams reaching BCS bowls. At 9-3, the Wildcats would get serious consideration for the Outback Bowl. If Iowa wins, the Hawkeyes likely will jump Northwestern on the bowl pecking order. Northwestern's most realistic options remain Alamo, Champs Sports or Insight.

Iowa (7-4, 4-3) -- The Hawkeyes should root against Oregon State just as hard as Ohio State. If two Big Ten teams reach BCS bowls and Iowa wins its regular-season finale at Minnesota, it would be in excellent shape for the Outback Bowl. It's amazing to think about, given where Iowa was only weeks ago. But the Hawkeyes travel well and will be in the mix for the Alamo Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl no matter what happens Saturday.

Minnesota (7-4, 3-4) -- A win Saturday is imperative for the Gophers to improve their postseason options. Four consecutive losses to close the season doesn't look good to bowl representatives, and Minnesota doesn't travel as well as some of its primary competitors. If the Gophers beat Iowa, they'll be in the mix for the Alamo, Champs Sports and Insight. A loss could send Minnesota to the Motor City Bowl.

Wisconsin (6-5, 3-5) -- Athletic director Barry Alvarez has a bowl destination in mind, but Wisconsin would be well served to take care of Cal-Poly, a dangerous FCS opponent. Despite a poor Big Ten record, a 7-5 overall mark probably gets Wisconsin to the Insight Bowl. The Badgers travel well and boast a sizable alumni base. A loss Saturday probably puts Wisconsin in the Motor City Bowl.

SINK OR SWIM

Illinois (5-6, 3-4) -- The Illini need a win at Northwestern to avoid becoming the first Big Ten team to avoid the postseason a year after reaching the Rose Bowl since ... Illinois in 1984. Even if Illinois wins, it likely needs two Big Ten teams to reach BCS bowl games in order to make the postseason. Head-to-head losses against Wisconsin and Minnesota hurt, but if things go right, Illinois could make the Motor City Bowl or perhaps the Insight.

FUHGEDDABOUDIT

Michigan (3-8, 2-5) -- As defensive tackle Terrance Taylor told me this week, Saturday will serve as Michigan's bowl game. A huge upset of Ohio State would momentarily take the sting off a miserable season. Michigan won't be going bowling for the first time since 1974.

Purdue (3-8, 1-6) -- The Tiller Bowl takes place Saturday against Indiana (ESPN2, noon ET), as Joe Tiller coaches his final game at Purdue before heading into retirement. Purdue will miss the postseason for just the second time during Tiller's 12-year tenure.

Indiana (3-8, 1-6) -- Another bowl appearance was on the Hoosiers' radar entering the season, but a rash of injuries combined with inconsistent defensive play leave them at the bottom of the league. This will be a critical offseason for Indiana, which can't afford to lose any more momentum.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

For the second consecutive week Ohio State came in at No. 12 in the AP Poll and No. 11 in the Coaches' Poll. And for the second consecutive week, the Big Ten mailbag filled up with messages from frustrated Buckeyes fans. 

Why isn't Ohio State moving up in the rankings? The Buckeyes have, after all, won four consecutive games since their disastrous performance against USC.

The simplistic and partially true answer is that the voters are sick of Ohio State, particularly the AP voters (media). Despite the return of Chris "Beanie" Wells, the rise of Terrelle Pryor and several strong performances on defense, Ohio State is still fighting an uphill battle to regain the credibility it lost Sept. 13 at the L.A. Coliseum. This team shouldn't be blamed for the failures of past seasons, but Ohio State has some work to do to convince voters that it merits elite status.

A truly impressive win Saturday at Spartan Stadium certainly would help.

Whether it's right or not, the polls are all about winning and looking impressive, especially on offense. The Buckeyes have satisfied the first requirement but not the second. No offensive touchdowns at home against Purdue? A four-point lead entering the fourth quarter against Troy? Ohio State has eclipsed 35 points only once -- in the opener against FCS member Youngstown State -- and put up more than 30 points just twice in seven games.

Last year, the Buckeyes eclipsed 30 points seven times. They had nine such games in 2006 and eight in 2005. This year's team looks more like the Lloyd Carr-led Michigan squads that would rack up wins but rarely stomp on inferior opponents.

All 11 teams ahead of Ohio State in this week's AP Poll rank among the top 30 nationally in scoring offense. Ohio State is tied with Stanford for 70th in scoring (24.3 ppg).

Margin of victory is another factor. The Buckeyes' six wins have come by an average of 17 points. That's not bad, but let's look at the teams ranked just ahead of Ohio State.

No. 8 Oklahoma State (6-0) -- Six wins by average of 25.5 points.

No. 9 BYU (6-0) -- Six wins by average of 27.7 points.

No. 10 Georgia (5-1) -- Five wins by average of 19.8 points.

No. 11 Missouri (5-1) -- Five wins by average of 31.4 points.

Georgia is the closest team to Ohio State, and it has one fewer win than the Buckeyes. But the strength of the SEC helps the Bulldogs, and their ability to make the Alabama loss look closer than it actually was prevented a major tumble.

Ohio State also isn't helped by the fact that the team leading its league, Penn State, has won seven games by an average of 34.3 points with no margin less than 14 points. The Buckeyes grind out victories while the Lions dominate.

Are the two teams significantly far apart? The great thing is we'll find out Oct. 25 in Columbus. A win there should give Ohio State the poll boost it needs.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Helmet stickers are coming a bit later tonight, but before I leave Michigan Stadium, some final notes and observations:

• Michigan sustained injuries to wide receivers Greg Mathews (ankle) and Junior Hemingway (shoulder). Safety Brandon Harrison didn't play the second half because of a groin injury. Running back Carlos Brown was limited with a shoulder injury. Defensive tackle Terrance Taylor hurt his foot and was in a walking boot after the game.
  
• A road win against Michigan should never be minimized, even this season, so kudos to Utah. But if the Utes want to make a serious run at BYU, a Mountain West title and just maybe a BCS berth, they have to get better on special teams and limit silly mistakes. Blocked punts and fumbled kickoff returns will kill you in most games, and the Utes were flagged 15 times for 137 yards. "We've got to finish the game," running back Matt Asiata said. "We can't lay off. We've got to keep a swagger."
• The Wolverines defense showed in the second half that it can be legit this fall. The line consistently put pressure on Utah's Brian Johnson, and the secondary came up with several big plays. But the Wolverines can't afford to start games like they did Saturday. Linemen Brandon Graham, Will Johnson and Tim Jamison combined for seven tackles for loss. "We were coached up on how to make those plays, we just weren't doing it," said linebacker Obi Ezeh, who had a team-high 15 tackles and an interception. "The second half we came out and executed a little bit more. Maybe a lot of the young guys out there were a little nervous [in the first half]."
• We knew the quarterbacks would struggle, but Michigan has to generate much more from its running backs. Junior Brandon Minor showed the most promise before a fumble in Utah territory. Freshmen Michael Shaw and Sam McGuffie looked good catching passes, but neither did much out of the backfield. "The running game was a huge disappointment," coach Rich Rodriguez said. "Our offense didn't give the defense much chance to rest because we couldn't establish any long drives because we weren't running the ball effectively. ... There's a lot of precision involved in every offense and we didn't have that today."
  
• Michigan had seven first-time starters and 15 players make their collegiate debuts today.
• Rodriguez lost his first nonconference game since 2005, when West Virginia fell to Virginia Tech.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The AP preseason Top 25 poll is out and Ohio State ranks No. 2 behind Georgia. The Buckeyes were extremely close to nabbing the top spot, receiving only one fewer first-place vote than the Bulldogs.

Wisconsin came in at No. 13, while Illinois is No. 20 and Penn State is No. 22. Both Michigan and Michigan State also received votes.

It's important to reiterate that the voting took place before Aug. 1, but the poll shapes up mostly as expected. I had the Buckeyes at No. 3 behind both Georgia and Florida in our ESPN.com preseason Power Rankings, but our votes were due back in July. If the ballots were collected today, I'd have Ohio State at No. 1, followed by Georgia, Oklahoma, USC and Florida.

Wisconsin could be a spot or two lower, and Illinois and Penn State are somewhat interchangeable and could fall anywhere between Nos. 18-23. It was good to see the media vote on merit rather than tradition and leave Michigan out of the preseason poll. If the Wolverines beat Utah in Week 1, they might have a case. Same goes for Michigan State if it beats Cal on the road.

As ESPN.com's former non-BCS guy, I was disappointed to see BYU as the only entry in the poll. The Cougars are better than No. 16 in my view, and Fresno State also deserves to be included. Utah is just outside the poll along with Fresno State, about where the Utes should be. South Florida is a little high in my book, and I would swap Clemson and Texas at Nos. 9 and 11.