ESPN College Football

Oklahoma ended a disappointing year on a high note, winning its third consecutive bowl game to record back-to-back seasons of 10 or more victories. Iowa's bowl magic vanished despite a plucky effort as the mistake-prone Hawkeyes lost in the postseason for the first time since 2006.

Let's take a closer look at the Insight Bowl:

How the game was won: Oklahoma's pressuring defense flustered Iowa and forced enough mistakes to buy time for Landry Jones and the offense to get going. The Sooners led 14-0 at halftime despite mounting only one productive drive, but their defense never backed down or broke down. OU made Iowa work for everything, and the Hawkeyes repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with penalties, dropped passes, poor throws, questionable play calls and other mistakes. Junior quarterback James Vandenberg and the Iowa offense established a rhythm midway through the third quarter and closed to within 21-14 with 6:56 left, but Oklahoma's power game, led by quarterback Blake Bell, responded to seal the victory.

Player of the game: Sooners cornerback Jamell Fleming. The senior set the tone early with an interception return to the Iowa 10-yard line, setting up the first of three Bell-dozer touchdown runs. Fleming also contained Iowa's All-Big Ten wide receiver Marvin McNutt, who had just four catches for 46 yards and appeared frustrated for much of the game.

Stat of the game: Oklahoma ran eight offensive plays in the first quarter, and had 12 yards and no first downs. But the Sooners led Iowa 7-0.

Candid camera: There was a scary moment late as ESPN's Skycam fell onto the field and nearly struck McNutt on a bounce. It delayed the game several minutes with 2:22 left to clear the wiring.

Second guessing: It's seems odd to question a Kirk Ferentz decision to go for a fourth-and-short situation, but Iowa really could have benefited from points following a 13-play, 68-yard drive midway through the first quarter. Down 7-0, the Hawkeyes marched to the Oklahoma 6-yard line before failing on third-and-4. Rather than kick the short field goal, Ferentz went for the touchdown and Iowa lost 3 yards on fourth down. Iowa didn't score until early in the fourth quarter.

What it means for Oklahoma: The Sooners ended on a positive note and showed they could be motivated to win a bowl despite a disappointing regular season. After being shredded by rival Oklahoma State, the Oklahoma defense responded very well against Iowa, controlling play for the first two and a half quarters. For a unit that endured inconsistent play in October and November, this was a good ending. The victory sends the Sooners into a crucial offseason, which begins with Jones' decision on whether to stay for his senior season or enter the NFL draft. Oklahoma loses some key seniors but still should enter the 2012 season as one of the top contenders for the Big 12 title.

What it means for Iowa: Hawkeyes fans can't be disappointed with the effort, but a team that repeatedly made mistakes away from its home field couldn't survive them again Friday night in Tempe, Ariz. The defense played very hard for retiring coordinator Norm Parker, but Iowa needed a cleaner performance to upset Oklahoma. Iowa sees its wins total drop for the second consecutive season, and the team now enters a critical offseason. Ferentz soon will name a new defensive coordinator, and he needs to put a stop to the revolving door at running back. Iowa loses key parts but should be more experienced at several spots. However, Hawkeyes fans expect more from their program and its well-paid coach, and they should. The Big Ten is only getting harder, and Iowa should be mirroring what Wisconsin and Michigan State have done rather than falling back into the pack. Not much has gone right for this program since the 2010 Orange Bowl victory.

If you'd told Iowa fans before the season they'd be playing their bowl game in Arizona against Oklahoma, they would have been thrilled at the thought of making the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Instead, both teams underachieved and find themselves in Friday's Insight Bowl:

WHO TO WATCH: Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg and receiver Marvin McNutt. With starting running back Marcus Coker suspended, the Hawkeyes likely will have to rely on the passing game more than ever. That means Vandenberg and McNutt, who hooked up 78 times this season but were stymied in the season-ending loss at Nebraska. Oklahoma, even without the suspended Ronnell Lewis, can pressure the quarterback and finished the season ranked seventh nationally in sacks. The Sooners' pass defense, though, has been vulnerable at times this season, so Vandenberg will have a chance to make some plays if his offensive line protects. McNutt will wrap up a fantastic career in the desert; he needs four more catches to set the school's single-season record and seven to break the Hawkeyes' career mark.

WHAT TO WATCH: Who will run the ball for Iowa? Coker was a workhorse all season, averaging over 23 carries per game. Backup Mika'il McCall's status is still unclear, perhaps leaving rushing duties to sparingly used freshmen De'Andre Johnson, Jordan Canzeri or Damon Bullock. Coker himself emerged as a star in last season's Insight Bowl after a suspension to Adam Robinson, but a similar situation developing this year would come as more of a surprise. Also keep an eye on the Hawkeyes' defense, which often struggled this season to stop big plays and rush the passer. They will need Mike Daniels and Broderick Binns up front to create some havoc and for Micah Hyde and Shaun Prater to guard the back end to slow down Landry Jones and the Sooners' passing attack.

WHY TO WATCH: Oklahoma was ranked No. 1 in the preseason and for most of the first month of the season. Even with some key injuries and suspensions, the Sooners still have loads of talent and will give Iowa one of its toughest tests of the season. The Hawkeyes, though, have won three straight bowl games under Kirk Ferentz, including last year's Insight Bowl in an exciting game against Missouri. Their defense should be motivated to perform in the final game for retiring defensive coordinator Norm Parker. Many have pegged Iowa as the biggest underdog of bowl season, but Oklahoma's motivation has to be questioned as the team had much higher aspirations than this. The fact that Sooners coach Bob Stoops is an Iowa graduate and close friend of Ferentz adds some drama to the proceedings.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 27, Iowa 20. The Hawkeyes hang around as Oklahoma comes out a little flat. But the loss of Coker is just too much to overcome and will force Iowa to be too one-dimensional on offense. The Sooners' defense picks off Vandenberg a couple of times and holds on for the win.

Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (9-3)

Dec. 30, 1o p.m. ET (ESPN)

Iowa take by Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg: Iowa football hasn’t had much go its way in the past 11 months aside from a dramatic victory against Missouri in the 2010 Insight Bowl. The Hawkeyes will return to Tempe, Ariz., later this month looking for another boost after an up-and-down 2011 campaign.

Kirk Ferentz’s teams typically save their best for the postseason, as Iowa is 6-3 in bowls during his tenure as coach, including victories in each of the past three years (2010 Insight, 2010 Orange, 2009 Outback). But extending the win streak will be tough against Oklahoma, the preseason No. 1 team. Both teams struggled down the stretch, each dropping two of the final three games.

Iowa is led by its big three on offense: receiver Marvin McNutt, running back Marcus Coker and quarterback James Vandenberg. Coker burst on the scene as a freshman at the 2010 Insight Bowl, setting an Iowa bowl record with 219 rushing yards. McNutt also has been fabulous, while Vandenberg struggled away from Kinnick Stadium but can put up big numbers.

The Hawkeyes' defense was in rebuilding mode for most of the season, as the NFL losses along the defensive line and at safety stung. Oklahoma isn’t nearly as dangerous on offense without star receiver Ryan Broyles, who is out for the season with a knee injury. But Iowa can’t let Landry Jones settle into a rhythm and must pressure the Sooners junior quarterback.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops faces his alma mater in Iowa, which goes up against the Sooners for just the second time after dropping a 1979 game in Norman.

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Oklahoma State take from Big 12 blogger David Ubben: The "Chase For Eight" quickly went awry for the Sooners, who lost a 41-38 game at home to five-win Texas Tech. The Red Raiders didn't win again the rest of the season. The Sooners' defense fell to powerful offenses late in the season, too. Baylor bested the Sooners on a last-second touchdown from Robert Griffin III, and Oklahoma State receivers ran free in a Cowboys blowout.

Injuries played a huge role. That's undeniable, but this season, with the expectations that came with it, is nothing but a disappointment. The Sooners suffered two losses after losing Broyles and Dominique Whaley. Blake Bell's Tebow-esque "BellDozer" formation was pretty effective late in the season, but Oklahoma is bested only by Texas A&M as the Big 12's most disappointing team.

Pat Forde and Heather Dinich break down Oklahoma-Florida State, Auburn-Clemson and Ohio State-Miami.

We finally had games to discuss during today's Big Ten chat, and all you care about was realignment.

I don't blame you. Once again, the prospect of major conference expansion is overshadowing the product on the field. And while the Big Ten continues to say expansion is on the back burner, the league isn't burying its head in the sand.

Here's the full chat wrap-up, and some highlights:

David (NY): With the probable A&M move and the likely disbanding of the Big 12, do you think that the Big 10 will be able to force ND's hand. I think that after ND, Rutgers and Syracuse make the most sense, both academically and regionally to bring NY into the fold.

Adam Rittenberg (12:05 PM): David, if the landscape changes to a point where ND has to join a conference, the Big Ten should do everything it can to add the Fighting Irish. I don't think it makes sense to add both Rutgers and Syracuse. One is fine, but neither program really moves the needle nationally (Syracuse more than Rutgers). I'd prefer to see Rutgers/Syracuse and a team like Maryland, which puts the Big Ten in another market.

Rick (Adel, Ga.): Hey Adam. I like the current 12 team format in the B1G. I really do not want it to change. My question is will the standards of the B1G cause the conference to paint itself into a corner in terms of not exploring the idea of a great and traditional program like Oklahoma. If the B1G ever expands I just dont see how adding Maryland, Syracuse, and Rutgers would help the B1G product. In fact I think it will dillute it. Sure they are great academic schools and in great media markets but compare that to Oklahoma which is rich in tradition, okay academically, and a great product to promote on TV. I just rather watch Oklahoma vs. Michigan, OSU, Penn St. Neb. etc. over Syracuse vs the same teams I mentioned.

Adam Rittenberg (12:15 PM): Rick, you bring up some really good points here, and I think Brian and I will explore Oklahoma more in the blog. There are some programs the Big Ten certainly could add and other programs the league never would add. Oklahoma falls somewhere in the middle. I know this is hard for some fans to understand, but Oklahoma would be an academic stretch for the Big Ten. No AAU membership, and while OU has a decent academic reputation, it would lag behind the others in the Big Ten. I know I'll take some heat for this, but Nebraska was a bit of a reach, too. I agree OU brings a lot to the table and could be a great addition in a lot of ways, but I just don't think the Big Ten presidents are willing to overlook the school's shortcomings.

Will (Columbus, OH): If Denard passes for 200 yds and runs for 50 more, can Fitz or Shaw carry the load and give Michigan a victory or is Denard going to have to carry the load like he did in last years ND game?

Adam Rittenberg (12:21 PM): Great question, Will. It has taken heroic performances by QBs for Michigan to win its past two games against ND (Tate Forcier in 2009, Denard last year). I think it's imperative for Michigan to establish a rushing attack outside of Robinson. I liked what I saw from Fitz Toussaint last week. Now can he stay healthy? Time will tell. But if the Michigan line performs well and the RBs take the load off of Robinson, it makes the Wolverines' offense really dangerous. That said, I expect a much better performance from Notre Dame this week.

Jake (Chicago): I know Notre Dame has many Big Ten rivalries already, but don't you think an annual Illinois-Notre Dame game in Chicago makes a lot of sense? Tons of alumni/fans for both schools are in Chicago, I think it would become a great tradition...also the new Illini AD has a relationship with Brian Kelly so that could help make this happen

Adam Rittenberg (12:41 PM): Jake, that's a really good call. I don't know how willing Notre Dame would be to play another Big Ten school, but an Illinois game in Chicago makes a lot of sense. The Mike Thomas-Brian Kelly connection certainly could help. I doubt we'd see more than a two-game series -- especially with ND playing Northwestern in 2014 and 2018 -- but it would be a good starting point.

Thanks again for the questions. Same time, same place next week.

It's been a while since we did one of these. You know how to reach me.

Let's get started.

Saul from Westerville, Ohio, writes: Ok, someone please explain to me why Jim Harbaugh would rather stay at Stanford/go to he NFL over Michigan. Its his alma mater, one of the greatest football programs there is, can pay quite a bit of cash, and more. He'd be embraced by the fans, and wouldn't have to worry about getting kicked out for one poor season like in the NFL. I mean, years ago he was begging for a job in the Big Ten, and now its less appealing than Stanford? Sounds like a bad joke made to depress us even more.

Adam Rittenberg: You make a strong case, Saul, but I don't know if Harbaugh's attachment to his alma mater was ever strong enough to eclipse other factors involved. Most ultra competitive people want to compete at the highest level, and the NFL affords Harbaugh the opportunity to do so. The situation with the 49ers would allow he and his family to remain in the same location, which is a big factor. I totally agree that there's less stability in the NFL, but those who succeed at the highest level are always sought after even after they struggle. I also wonder about the task of restoring Michigan to elite status. Some people are motivated by it, but others might be concerned about where the program is headed.

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Vince from San Diego writes: Adam, I watched Oklahoma beat UConn the other day and couldn't stop thinking, "This actually counts as a BCS win?" My beloved Buckeyes are HATED by minions of college fans for losing to the eventual champion twice and to Texas in the last seconds of the Fiesta Bowl. Meanwhile OU is 3-5 including the 2011 win, Florida State is 1-5 and VT 1-4. So why hate the Buckeyes? Is it the vest?

Adam Rittenberg: I've always wondered about this same topic, Vince. Why does Ohio State get ripped while Oklahoma seemingly gets the pass in the media? Credit the Sooners for handling their business against Connecticut, but their BCS bowl struggles aren't too different from Ohio State's, and it seems like the Buckeyes didn't get a ton of credit for beating Oregon in the 2010 Rose Bowl. Then again, people tend to get tired of seeing the same team in big games year after year, and Ohio State has made more BCS bowl appearances than any other squad. The national title game performances still sting, but Ohio State has played better in its past two BCS games. Tonight's contest will be huge.

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Travis from Des Moines, Iowa, writes: Adam, I'll be very interested to see your conference Power Rankings after the Ohio State game is played. Should make for some interesting reading. Where does MSU finish? Only 2 losses but 2 very, very bad beatdown by Iowa and Alabama. Iowa beats a very solid Missouri team ranked 12th in the country, but finds ways to lose to teams like Minny etc...

Adam Rittenberg: Check the blog early next week for post-bowl power rankings, Travis. It'll be hard to leave Michigan State out of the top three, but the Spartans' performance was both shocking and sobering. Alabama is an outstanding team that finally put things together for the bowls, but Michigan State should have been able to compete a lot better. The Spartans fell apart against Iowa largely because of their own mistakes, but they just seemed completely overmatched against Alabama from the get-go. Very disappointing result for that program and for the Big Ten. Iowa deserves credit for winning its bowl game, but the Hawkeyes clearly weren't the team most of us thought heading into the season.

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Cayley from Jefferson City, Mo., writes: "Rob Bolden's departure a blow for PSU" Really Adam? And here I thought you were a Big Ten follower! Everybody who is knows that the best QB at Penn State's Blue-White game last spring was Paul Jones, and anybody at all familiar with Paterno-speak knows Joe is higher on Jones than any other QB on the roster. Isn't this JoePa's dream scenario? McGloin takes his place as the serviceable backup he is, and nobody else is taking serious reps away from Jones. Isn't that what you would want?

Adam Rittenberg: Well, Cayley, it sounds like you have it all figured out. Let's start driving the Paul Jones bandwagon based on a performance in the spring game against backup defenders on a unit that didn't turn out to be all that good in the season. C'mon. Jones certainly has some talent and likely will push Matt McGloin for the starting job in spring ball, but Penn State clearly would have benefited from Bolden staying. At least Bolden has taken snaps in games and experienced tough road environments in Alabama and Iowa. While I could see Jones winning the job with a strong spring and summer, Penn State wanted more than one QB with game experience entering the fall.

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Thomas from Gadsden, Ala., writes: Am I the only person on the planet who noticed that the Badgers kept their work horse in the stable until the last drive? Was he hurt? Was he being punished? My God, He hits the field, get approx 65 yards in 5 carries with 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter. What would have happened had he got 30 carries instead of 11? But more perplexing is that none of the talking heads have mentioned his glaring absence from the line-up!What say you? Please respond, but more importantly, get me an answer. Why wasn't Clay being played?

Adam Rittenberg: Thomas, while I feel Wisconsin should have been more committed to running between the tackles, Montee Ball was doing just fine as Wisconsin's featured back. The Badgers could have used John Clay a bit more, but Clay's conditioning is a factor you must consider. He hadn't received a full carries load since Oct. 23 against Iowa and has been recovering from a knee sprain. So his ability to stay on the field for long stretches was limited. The bigger issue is why Wisconsin didn't run more between the tackles with Ball or even James White. But regarding Clay, I really think you can point to conditioning/layoff.

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Jeffrey from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Hey Adam. Right now the Big Ten is getting slammed for bad OOC scheduling. So I decided to take a look into it:Ohio State: Miami was the best of the best when scheduled in '03.Michigan: UConn won Big East. (Which isn't much of a prize.)Iowa: Arizona had high hopes for this season, didn't do much.Minnesota: USC dominated the world when scheduled. Got hit with sanctions.Illinois: Almost beat Mizzou, and Mizzou was dang good this year, and when they were scheduled.Penn State: Alabama was supposed to win a title, still pretty good though.Do you notice a pattern? Almost all the big names would have been good or decent when they were scheduled, but this season most weren't very good. It seems as though everything the Big Ten schedules turns to crap. Is this a Big Ten curse?Also, everyone says how the Pac-10 had 6 teams scheduled that are currently in the top 25; if these teams had been decent, so would the Big Ten!

Adam Rittenberg: Jeffrey, this is some good research, and your point here is very valid. The tricky part of nonconference scheduling is that these contracts are finalized so far in advance. Some games that look tough aren't, while others that look like cupcakes could become much tougher. I'd prefer to see schedules hammered out closer to the dates of games, but this is the system we live with right now. I would say that in talking with commissioner Jim Delany on Sunday, he didn't seem thrilled with the Big Ten's nonconference slate this year. We are seeing teams "upgrade" their future schedules -- Michigan State and Michigan both facing Alabama, etc. -- but as you point out, we won't know how good those games are until they roll around.

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Justin from NE Iowa writes: Adam,With the Dismissal of Adam Robinson, I was wondering if you or anyone had looked at the Running Back Turnover at Iowa in the last 2-3 years. What is causing all of this? Is it just bad luck, coaches not doing homework, the climate in Iowa City? Who would have thought that what was thought would be Iowa's strength coming in this year would turn out to be such a problem...?

Adam Rittenberg: Hard to say, Justin. The injuries to Jewel Hampton were simply bad luck, as Hampton showed his value as a freshman in 2008. I think it's a string of unfortunate events, but it's amazing to think that Hampton, Brandon Wegher and now Adam Robinson all are gone from the program. Robinson's case is the most unfortunate because he really performed well on the field and showed impressive toughness and fortitude. I really liked watching Robinson, and Iowa will miss his presence in 2011. Marcus Coker's breakthrough performance in the bowls certainly makes Robinson's departure a little easier for fans to handle, but the Hawkeyes really need some other young players to step up and solidify the depth.

Let's take one final regular-season look at future Big Ten member Nebraska, which aims for a league championships on Saturday.

Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big 12, North division champion)

National rank: No. 13 in BCS standings, No. 13 in AP Poll, No. 13 in Coaches' Poll

Last result: Beat Colorado 45-17 last Friday in Lincoln

News to know: The Huskers bounced back from a very frustrating loss in College Station to take care of business against Colorado. They wrapped up the Big 12 North title and will renew their classic rivalry with Oklahoma in the league championship game at JerryWorld. The big question for Big Red relates to the quarterback position, as the coaches aren't sure who will start on Saturday night. Taylor Martinez is still dealing with an ankle injury and turf toe, and Nebraska could play both T-Magic and Cody Green against the Sooners. Green led the Huskers past Colorado while Martinez watched from the sideline. Colleague David Ubben writes that Nebraska's most effective quarterback right now might be running back Rex Burkhead, who took snaps in the Wildcat formation against Colorado and threw two touchdown passes. It certainly will be interesting to watch the Huskers' offensive game plan Saturday, although their defensive performance likely will determine whether or not they head to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Saturday marks Nebraska's final game as a member of the Big 12 -- keep an eye on those officials -- but the Huskers and Oklahoma are discussing a home-and-home series in 2020-21.

Up next: Saturday vs. No. 9 Oklahoma in Big 12 championship game at Arlington, Texas

It's not too late to join my chat, which is going on right now.

• Colleague Pat Forde calls out Ron Zook and JoePa and makes a Michigan-Michigan State prediction in this week's Dash.
• Speaking of the Wolverines, colleague Ivan Maisel writes that Denard Robinson is the latest star college player to be in the right place at the right time.
• Michigan State has the edge in most categories, but Michigan has Robinson, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. Tony Lippett is playing Robinson's role in Spartans' practice this week, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Michigan-Michigan State is a very hot ticket this year, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• The Big Ten is looking more and more like an offense-heavy league, annarbor.com's Jeff Arnold writes.
• JoePa says Penn State backup quarterback Kevin Newsome can't just get by on natural ability alone, Mark Wogenrich writes in The (Allentown) Morning Call. One Penn State beat writer explains his criticisms of the program.
• Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson wants to be like former All-American J Leman, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune. The crowd noise at Penn State will be a bit different for Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase than it was for his dad in 1984, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• The line has been the one part of Purdue's offense avoiding the injury bug, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• Ohio State must spark its rushing attack aside from quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Buckeyes safety-linebacker Tyler Moeller had been playing with a partially torn pectoral muscle for some time before last week's full tear, Lesmerises writes.
• Wisconsin's offense makes some changes up front, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Former Minnesota quarterback Bryan Cupito knows how much Adam Weber needs to beat Wisconsin before his career ends, Marcus Fuller writes in The (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
• Indiana needs to upgrade its defense, and help is on the way through recruiting, Andy Graham writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
• Future Big Ten member Nebraska could rekindle its rivalry with Oklahoma, colleague David Ubben writes.

I've got a great weekend coming up. Hope you do, too.

James from Chicago writes: If Ohio St, Penn St, (or dare I say Michigan) were to go undefeated in regular season, they would be ranked higher than undefeated Boise St without any doubt. However, if one of the middle tier Big Ten teams (Northwestern, MSU, etc) were to pull off an unthinkable and go undefeated, then will they be ranked higher than undefeated Boise St and/or one-loss SEC winner?

Adam Rittenberg: Great question, James. Preseason rankings really matter. I wish they didn't, but they shape the national title race way more than they should. It would be a lot tougher for a Big Ten team unranked in the preseason to leapfrog a Boise State or a one-loss SEC team even after running the table. You might need a team like Minnesota or Michigan that at least faces some decent nonconference opponents -- USC, Connecticut, Notre Dame -- in order to make such a big surge. Then again, shouldn't Boise State deserve a top ranking by handling all the preseason hype, beating a very good Virginia Tech team in the opener and then running the table, as many people expect? It makes for a good debate.

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Anthony from Chicago writes: Adam, I disagree with your key stretch in Illinois scheduel. To me, it's the first three games of the season at Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Northern Illinois. Let's say they go 1-2 in those games, then lose at home to OSU and at PSU. Illinois will be 1-4. Zook has had problems dealing with negative attitudes resulting from losing. Illinois will be in for a long season and could end up 3-9 again. If Illinois can come out of the first 3 games 3-0 and then lose to OSU and PSU, they'll be 3-2 with 6 games left vs teams in the bottom 7 of the Big Ten from the previous year. They would have a real shot at a 7 or 8 win season. I think starting the season strong is key for the Illini

Adam Rittenberg: Anthony, you make some great points and I seriously considered going with the first three games as Illinois' key stretch. You're right that starting strong is huge for such a young team. But ultimately, Illinois needs to win Big Ten games, regardless of what happens in the first three contests. What if Illinois starts 3-0 but can't win a Big Ten game and tumbles through my key stretch? The team likely doesn't recover to reach bowl eligibility. Conversely, even if Illinois starts 1-5, a sweep of my key stretch puts the team back in bowl contention with some renewed confidence and a realistic shot of getting there. The ultimate answer is that both stretches will be huge for Ron Zook and the Illini. But I definitely see your point, especially after Illinois never truly recovered from the Missouri opener in 2009.

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Dono C. from Tulsa writes: Adam, are you as crazy as your picture looks? Do you think Mr. Stoops cares about an athletic budget? Or do you think that OU's athletic budget is lacking? And who are you to suggest that OU was led around by Texas - and not think that OSU wouldn't do the same to stay with their natural rival Michigan? I am sure you were in all of the Big 12 meetings when this was going on. I am sure you have first-hand knowledge, do you not? It's amazing - someone makes a comparison to OSU that you don't like and you rip them like you've just been insulted. You really did show your panties yesterday. Great job.

Adam Rittenberg: Definitely as crazy as my picture, Dono. And why the fascination with my underwear? Is there something you want to share with us? Here's the deal. Oklahoma is a great job, and so is Ohio State. Bob Stoops is well paid and has the resources to succeed at OU, where he has done great things. But when you're talking about the true bigfoot programs in college football, both from a tradition standpoint and a financial standpoint, Ohio State is in a class right at the top with Texas and Florida. Oklahoma is just below the top group. Now would Ohio State attach itself to Michigan like Oklahoma did with Texas? I'm sure the Buckeyes wouldn't want to see anything happen to the Michigan rivalry, but Ohio State wouldn't let Michigan call the shots and totally defer to Ann Arbor. Oklahoma once functioned in a league independent of Texas -- remember when the OU-Nebraska rivalry mattered? -- but it certainly seemed like Texas held all the power during the recent Big 12/Pac-10 situation.

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Erik from State College, Pa., writes: Adam, love the blog and am generally quick to agree with most you say here, however I can't let your "trap game" prediction about PSU go. I think Al Golden has done a great job at Temple and I was rooting for him in the Eagle Bank Bowl, however Temple hasn't beaten PSU since 1941 and I don't see things changing in the near future. Temple had a great season last year however Penn State still handled them easily. Temple also lost to I-AA Villanova (sure they won the I-AA championship but still...). I think your afterthought about PSU vs. NU being a trap game has a lot of merit and should have taken one of the top 5 spots on the list. Around that time we'll be celebrating Joe Pa's 400th win and the NU game is sandwiched between an "under the lights" game with Michigan (a white out I'm sure) and an away game @ Ohio State, creating a good trap scenario.

Adam Rittenberg: Some good points here, Erik. I would point out that Temple turned out to be a lot better team than the one Penn State faced in Week 2. The long winning streak against Temple is a reason why this could be a trap game. Did you think Notre Dame players ever thought they'd lose to Navy? Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying Penn State will struggle as much as Notre Dame did in 2007. But this Temple program is no longer a joke, and while a win against Penn State would qualify as a pretty huge upset, Penn State can't overlook the Owls. The Northwestern game might be more of a trap, though, for the reasons you mention.

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Michael from Lake Mary, Fla., writes: I'm curious if you think that the recent departures of Lloyd Carr and Brad Labadie from the Michigan Athletic department may be a result of new AD Dave Brandon's attempt to bring some unity to the department?

Adam Rittenberg: There are a lot of theories out there, but in regards to Carr, I don't think Brandon had much to do with his decision. Carr earned enough currency at Michigan to make his own decisions. Labadie's situation was a little different. Labadie and assistant athletic director for football Scott Draper took the most heat in Michigan's response to the NCAA's allegations. Although Brandon said Labadie's decision wasn't prompted by him being named in the NCAA investigation, Labadie had to see the writing on the wall. It was in his best interest to look elsewhere, and I doubt Brandon or the other Michigan brass would stand in his way. This outcome was probably best for all parties involved.

Only one Big Ten team was in action and that squad lost, so there aren't many stickers to pass out.

• Illinois QB Juice Williams: Williams missed a few big plays but had a very solid performance overall, completing 21 of 34 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in a 49-36 loss to Cincinnati. He also led Illinois with 67 rush yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
• Oklahoma's defense: The Sooners knocked Oklahoma State out of the BCS at-large mix with a suffocating defensive performance, clearing the way for Iowa or Penn State to end up in one of the big bowls. Oklahoma forced Oklahoma State into its worst offensive performance this decade, as the Cowboys were shut out and generated only 109 total yards in a 27-0 loss.
• Illinois K Derek Dimke: The kicking game has been an issue for Illinois all season and hurt the team at times against Cincinnati, but Dimke stepped up big on field goals. He entered Friday's game with only one career field-goal attempt but went 3-for-3 against the Bearcats, connecting from 48, 39 and 30 yards out.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

While I weave my way through the Pennsylvania back country, you read this.

D.J. from Richfield, Minn., writes: Hi Adam:I was just wondering what your thoughts were on why Eric Decker doesn't get more national pub? Please don't tell me "because he plays for Minnesota", there has to be more to it than that.

Adam Rittenberg: That's part of it D.J., but not everything. Decker has been more of a possession-type guy at Minnesota and doesn't make the 80-yard touchdown catch that often. He's not as flashy as some of the more hyped wideouts (Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, A.J. Green, even Arrelious Benn). I've always considered Decker one of the nation's most underrated players. But I'll tell you this: the more games Decker has like last Saturday's against Cal, the more he'll get noticed. Obviously, it would help if Minnesota wins more this season and gets into the Top 25, but people know who Decker is after what he did against Cal.

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Eric from Indianapolis writes: How is Iowa's OL suspect? Yes, Bulaga is hurt but Riley Reiff hasn't missed a beat. UA's DE was all Pac 10 last year and had one assist last weekend.Our OL is the least of my concerns Saturday night. My biggest worry is that Stanzi play well the whole game. If he does I see us winning easier than anyone thinks. This Iowa squad has improved each week and we look like a KF team in late October already.Yes, I'm an Iowa fan but I am also pragmatic and really, really like this team.

Adam Rittenberg: Reiff has done a nice job so far, but he hasn't seen a defensive line like Penn State's yet. Arizona boasts a decent defense, but the Wildcats don't really compare to Penn State, which has one of the nation's elite defensive fronts year in and year out because of Larry Johnson. Jack Crawford will test Reiff on the edge. That said, your concerns about Stanzi are justified. He probably can't afford many first-half mistakes on the road and have a chance to rally. Iowa does appear to be hitting its stride earlier than normal, which bodes well for Saturday night.

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Dale from San Marcos, Texas, writes: Seriously,dude, what's the deal with Jamaal Berry (Freshman Running Back, Ohio State). Is the kid still at Ohio State because I haven't seen any indication that he is on the team. Is he in Tressel's Doghouse or what, help me out Rittenberg because it doesn't make sense.

Adam Rittenberg: Berry has been slowed by an ankle injury the first three games and won't be ready for at least another week. He definitely is on the team, but he won't be a factor for a little bit longer. It's a good sign for Berry that the Buckeyes are giving Jordan Hall, another freshman, some carries at running back.

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Jim from Tolland, Conn., writes: I'm a huge Sooner fan and I completely agree with your OSU/OU comparison. In fact I often wish we would meet OSU in a BCS Bowl, just so OU would finally pick-up a win. I do disagree that OU gets a pass. I routinely get grief for their BCS lapses and the "Big Game Bob" title has been removed, excluding Big12 games, for at least 3 years. I wish I lived where you do and OU still gets love, it doesn't happen in my neck of the woods.

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks for the level-headed response, Jim. The backlash thing really depends on where you live. Oklahoma fans are going to think they get it worse in their local market; same with Ohio State fans. But as someone who reads a lot of national media coverage, I would say Ohio State takes at least a little more and possibly a lot more criticism than any other team in college football. The one way to tick off reporters is to struggle in the national championship game, much less two years in a row.

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Dan from New York, writes: Michigan State over Wisconsin??? Really??? Last time I checked the Badgers took down an underrated Fresno State and they didn't spoil their cupcakes like Michigan State did.Sure, Michigan State looked solid and had a few close loses, but I don't think you should count out Wisconsin (AT Camp Randall) just because Michigan State might "want it more". Do remember Bret Bielema needs to start producing in the Big Ten before angry alumni (like myself) start making phone calls..7-6 last season, thats not Wisconsin.

Adam Rittenberg: If it makes you feel better, it was a very tough call on that pick. I just think Michigan State will be a desperate team on Saturday, and the Spartans have been tested a bit more than the Badgers. Still, I think Wisconsin has turned a corner after emphasizing accountability throughout the offseason, and the Badgers are awfully tough at home. Could really go either way, but Michigan State might be finished if it doesn't win Saturday.

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John from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, writes: Please stop blaming Clark QB play last year on a concussion he got two weeks prior. I have had four concussions and never was I still out of it two weeks later (headaches yes). How about start blaming his bad QB play on a great Iowa defense.

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks for the insight, John, but you don't know how he felt that day. You don't know how much the concussion affected his vision and instincts. Sure, Iowa's defense had plenty to do with Daryll Clark's performance, but he didn't look anything like the quarterback who led a dominant Nittany Lions offense for most of the season. His decision-making was very out of character. There was clearly something wrong with him, no matter the opponent.

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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(Read full post)

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

Penn State enters Big Ten play ranked No. 5 nationally, holding steady in this week's AP poll.

How high the Lions can climb remains to be seen, given the poor national perception of the Big Ten and Penn State's soft nonconference slate.

Ohio State actually fell two spots in the poll to No. 13, a surprising result after its 38-0 pasting of Toledo. The Buckeyes' drop had very little to do with their performance Saturday and stemmed more from USC's shocking loss to Washington. Most voters couldn't justify putting Ohio State ahead of USC after the Trojans won in Columbus on Sept. 12.

Still, tell me how Oklahoma moves up two spots and Ohio State falls? Oklahoma lost to a BYU team that embarrassed itself against Florida State. Sure, the Sooners shut out Tulsa, but Ohio Stat shut out Toledo. I'll have more on this Monday, but the favoritism toward Oklahoma and the hatred of the Buckeyes is getting a little ridiculous.

Michigan moved up two spots to No. 23 after its win against Eastern Michigan. Iowa fans are already flooding my inbox wondering why the Hawkeyes aren't ranked after a solid win against Arizona.

Though I was surprised to see Iowa so far outside the rankings (sixth in receiving votes), the Hawkeyes can prove themselves to the nation by upsetting Penn State this week (ABC, 8 p.m. ET).

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller and Adam Rittenberg

Holy Rose Bowl! It's another Big Ten-Pac-10 weekend, with No. 8 California visiting Minnesota and Arizona headed to Iowa. All four teams are 2-0. Seems like a good time for another blogger debate.

Ted Miller: You again! Adam, we need to stop meeting like this. Or at least the Big Ten should stop meeting like Ohio State did with USC. Perhaps there will be some redemption on Saturday when California visits Minnesota and Arizona takes a gander at Iowa.

	Icon SMI/US Presswire
	Golden mascots square off in the Twin Cities on Saturday.

Let's start with your game Saturday in fancy pants TCF Bank Stadium. (Nice job, Minnesota.)

I look over Minnesota's particulars and I can't get a good vibe about what Cal should expect, particularly after the Gophers struggled to beat Syracuse and Air Force. Who are these guys ... and whose mascot is more golden?

Adam Rittenberg: Ted! Buddy! Good to be with you again. OK, full disclosure here. I grew up in Berkeley, attended pretty much every Cal home game between 1994 to 1999. Witnessed the one Mariucci season in '96 (still have nightmares about the Pat Barnes fumble at Washington State) and the insufferable Tom Holmoe era. But I was never a huge Oski the Bear fan. Too subdued of a mascot. Looked like a glum professor who hadn't had his sweater ironed in 50 years. And he doesn't wear pants, which is perfect for Berkeley (I grew up there, so I can say that!) So Goldy Gopher gets my vote. He's goldier.

As for Minnesota, they did struggle against the Cuse, but the Air Force win is pretty solid in my book. The defense has been the big plus so far, especially the three linebackers (Nate Triplett, Lee Campbell and Simoni Lawrence). Triplett has gone from special teams all-star to major playmaker. The offense has struggled quite a bit, as Minnesota incorporates a new pro-style system under Jedd Fisch. It's a pretty dramatic departure from what they did the last two seasons, and it has taken a bit of time to click. Quarterback Adam Weber has loads of experience and can be effective when he limits interceptions, and Eric Decker is a freaking stud. Might be the best wide receiver in America that no one talks about. The problem is Minnesota hasn't found many weapons other than Decker. The Gophers need to spark their rushing attack behind Duane Bennett and DeLeon Eskridge and hope a No. 2 wide receiver emerges, possibly speedster Troy Stoudermire.

I saw Cal is flying in Thursday for the game. Will the Bears be ready to play this time around for a 9 a.m. Pacific kickoff, and can anyone slow down Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen? How has Kevin Riley looked so far?

	Paul Jasienski-US PRESSWIRE
	Cal QB Kevin Riley ranks eighth in the nation in pass efficiency.

TM: Gosh, Cal coach Jeff Tedford HATES being asked about the 9 a.m. PT kickoff, because that was the prime excuse for the Bears' terrible effort last year at Maryland, an excuse, by the way, that Tedford has rejected from the get-go. Still, it's obvious he's doing everything he can to get his team ready for the early start, changing his previous plan and flying in on Thursday.

As for Best and Vereen, they are a great combination for sure. Best is going to make a play or two, mostly because he always does. The question is whether he can be such a bothersome threat that he forces Minnesota to load up the box. If that happens, a much-improved Kevin Riley and a receiving corps that has grown up could make big plays down field. Riley ranks eighth in the nation in pass efficiency and has yet to throw a pick, so he's started off as a completely different quarterback from the guy who was so inconsistent last last season.

The big issue for Cal is playing on the road: They've lost four in a row on the road. Moreover, they've not been challenged by a team so far that can approach them physically. Minnesota will be a far tougher test, and we just don't know whether Riley and the Bears can maintain their cool efficiency away from Berkley.

As for the other game: Iowa seems to have righted itself with the big win over Iowa State. But Arizona has a fast defense. Can quarterback Ricky Stanzi and running back Brandon Wegher lead an effective attack against the Wildcats?

AR: As I like to say, Stanzi is the Manzi. Actually, Stanzi has been inconsistent throughout his time as the starter, mixing big plays with too many picks. But he has more targets this year with Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Tony Moeki, Trey Stross and Marvin McNutt. The running game has been a bit messy this year because of departures (Shonn Greene) and injuries (Jewel Hampton, Jeff Brinson). Brandon Wegher likely would have redshirted but stepped up big last week. He and another freshman, Adam Robinson, will get most of the carries Saturday. It's rare to see Kirk Ferentz play so many young players, but these guys seem up to the task. The offensive line could be without star left tackle Bryan Bulaga (illness) again, so those two speedy Arizona pass-rushers will have their ears pinned back for sure.

Let's talk about the Wildcats offense. How good is Nic Grigsby and does Arizona have a passing game to complement the nation's second leading rusher?

TM: Grigsby is off to a fast start, but the Iowa defense will offer a far tougher test than Central Michigan and Northern Arizona. Also, Grigsby had some fumbling problems a year ago -- he got benched a couple of times and capable back Keola Antolin took over -- but that has yet to be an issue in 2009. My guess is the Hawkeyes load the box, gang up on Grigsby and will dare Arizona's new quarterback, sophomore Matt Scott, to pass, which is never easy on the road.

Gronkowski

And therein lies a huge issue for this game. Arizona's best player, tight end Rob Gronkowski, is out with a back injury. Gronkowski is a beast. More than a few folks in the Pac-10 believe he's every bit the player that Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham is. Think having a 6-foot-6, 265-pound safety valve would help a young QB? It also doesn't help that No. 1 receiver Delashaun Dean has been slowed by a hamstring injury, though he will play.

So, the Wildcats passing game, with Scott making his first road start, is a huge question.

Speaking of road games, seems like all the Big Ten owns home field advantage in all these matchups with the Pac-10 ... no fair. But, seriously, which place will be more difficult for a visitor from the West Coast? I love Minnesota's new digs but I've heard a lot about pink bathrooms and the nutty horde at Kinnick Stadium.

AR: Well, you guys do have this game called the Rose Bowl. If memory serves, it's in Pac-10 country. Like in USC's backyard. That reminds me, Ted, can you find a way to make sure the Trojans don't go to Pasadena this year? The Big Ten would like a break from the Trojans after all these years of punishment. I stayed on the same floor as Pete Carroll last week in Columbus but forgot to ask him myself. Let me know what they say over at Heritage Hall. Thanks, dude.

	AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
	Ricky Stanzi has passed for 439 yards and five touchdowns so far this season.

TCF Bank Stadium is pretty freaking awesome, and I'm excited to see the finished product in person. But I'd have to go with Kinnick Stadium as a tougher place right now. Iowa always sells it out and the fans are right on top of the field. It's a tremendous atmosphere, one of my favorites in the league. The early start time at Minnesota could be tougher for a Pac-10 team, but Kinnick definitely is less hospitable.

OK, prediction time. Who you got in Minnesota-Cal? Arizona-Iowa?

TM: Rose Bowl in Detroit, which is beautiful in midwinter!

I don't think anyone wants to see USC in the Rose Bowl again -- even USC's fans and players. The Trojans, however, wouldn't mind being in Pasadena again this January, if you catch my drift (nudge, nudge).

As for the predictions: For folks who read the Pac-10 blog, they know I've been advocating Cal as the team that might challenge USC's seven-year run atop the conference. They also know that for weeks I've been ranting about how underrated Arizona is.

So I've got pick a road warrior weekend for the Pac-10.
Let's say: Cal 35-21
And: Arizona 24-21.
Now, for the pick you should take to Vegas ...

AR: Call me a homer, but I've got to go with Cal. Minnesota has really struggled to make plays on offense, and while the Gophers' defense looks much improved, it'll be hard to contain Best and Vereen for 60 minutes and keep Cal off the scoreboard. Minnesota will have its crowd going and should keep things relatively, close, but I have Cal winning by 11, 34-23.

We'll probably see a defensive struggle at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa's defense is always solid under Norm Parker, and the front seven should prevent Grigsby from going nuts. I think Iowa got its mojo back last week and pulls this one out, 21-17 Hawkeyes.