Sam from Kalamazoo, Mich., writes: Are you getting a little ahead of yourself in annointing Michigan State as a Big Ten Superpower? The last time MSU saw Roses was 1988. Between that year and today, Michigan played in the Grandaddy of Them All 8 times, by far more than any other team in the Big Ten (yes, although it pains me I know this is at least in part to OSU playing in BCS games once that charade began). So MSU has had two relatively successful seasons in a row. .. who cares? Apparently no one, since folks are BEING PAID to wear green at the inaugural Irrelevant Bowl.
Brian Bennett: First of all, Sam, I wrote that Michigan State is developing into a superpower in the league. It's hard to argue with what Mark Dantonio has done. The Spartans won a share of last year's Big Ten title and finished with the best conference record this year while winning a division title. Dantonio has built a strong foundation in East Lansing, and the continuity ensures that the Spartans will be a year-in, year-out contender. That has little to do with what Michigan is or isn't doing. Also, the Big Ten seat-filling ad was exposed as a hoax. I'm amazed so many people thought that was true.
Brian Bennett: I think you may have dozed off a little, Jon. I don't think the Big Ten is all that far off from the SEC, and the addition of more powerful teams can only help the Big Ten. But the SEC is closing in on six straight national titles. Somebody has to beat them first.
Brian Bennett: What's this sport with the round ball you're talking about? All right, I may have exaggerated. Still, if Michigan State wins Saturday to go to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1988 ... well, I expect there to be a lot of happy folks in green at the Slippery Noodle Inn that night.
Brian Bennett: I'll admit that Houston is the hardest team for me to rank every week. The Cougars are undefeated and have a great offense, but their schedule has been horrid. I have them ranked lower than most. I'd like to see Michigan play Houston in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. I think that would work out well for the Big Ten.
Brian Bennett: First, I'm not sure the comparison between Frazier and Martinez is all that valid. Frazier didn't throw it that much and didn't need to with the strong option game Nebraska had in those days. The Huskers still run some option, but they try to be far more balanced in their offense with more passing. I'm not sure Martinez will ever be a great passer because he has such odd throwing mechanics. But we have to remember he's just a sophomore and has played for two different coordinators in his two years. I thought he really grew as a game manager and a leader this year, and he's still got breathtaking quickness when he gets out on the edge. On the list of things Nebraska has to worry about the next two years, Martinez is pretty far down.
Brian Bennett: Brandon, I was ready to go all rivalry on you by saying Urban Meyer, who was coach of the year in the MAC and the Mountain West before heading to Florida. But, remarkably, Meyer was never named SEC coach of the year despite winning two national titles. Really, SEC?
Brian Bennett: Key difference here, A-Duke. Leinart and Bush won a national title and then came back and led a team to an undefeated regular season. Like it or not, the Heisman has become about rewarding the best players on national title contenders. The problem for Wilson and Ball has nothing to do with where they're playing and everything to do with the Badgers' two losses -- even though neither of them play defensive back.
Brian Bennett: Let's clear a few things up here. There is a total touchdown record, and that's what we're referencing with Ball and Sanders this season. That does not include passing, because you actually have to possess the ball in the end zone to be counted in the scoring statistic. Ball, for example, also threw a touchdown pass this season, but that is not included in his 34 total touchdowns. The rushing touchdown record is a different statistic. I'll agree with you that Sanders had the more impressive season because his bowl stats did not count and he played fewer games. But Ball also has barely played in the fourth quarter this season, and his season has been fantastic as well.
Brian Bennett: Let me shred your second point first, Shareef. If Penn State had fallen apart, how did it almost beat a good Nebraska team the first game after the Sandusky story broke and then go into Columbus and beat Ohio State the following week? The Lions had everything to play for at Wisconsin, as the winner of that game was going to the Big Ten title game. Sure, Wilson helps Ball. But after re-watching the first Michigan State game, I'm more convinced than ever that Wilson is so good because of the threat of play-action. I don't know why Ball is being penalized for having a good quarterback. Didn't Reggie Bush win a Heisman with Leinart as his QB? Didn't Sam Bradford have DeMarco Murray at running back when he won his?
Brian Bennett: So you're saying Alabama's offensive line isn't that good? I guess I'm supposed to be impressed when Richardson puts up big numbers against Ole Miss and Auburn. Hey, he's a great player and deserving of accolades. But Ball is, too.
Brian Bennett: Guess you missed it, Brent, but the schools announced this summer that they will play again in 2016-17.
Brian Bennett: You make a good point, especially since Kill knows the state of Illinois so well and that's where the Illini need to make hay in recruiting. At the same time, though, Kill is a program builder that a team like Minnesota really needs. I don't think Illinois is that far away, and that school needs someone to come in and build some excitement among a disinterested fan base. While winning ultimately is what sells tickets, I think hiring an offensive-minded coach such as Wisconsin's Paul Chryst would be the quickest way to create a buzz again in Champaign.
Brian Bennett: I found Ohio State's objection to that celebration amusing, since I saw the Buckeyes do that exact same routine late in one of their August practices. I can't pull that off by myself but I am working on my own victory dance for this weekend in Indianapolis. If you're there on Friday night, be on the lookout.
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