Big Ten season article

[HouseofPaign]

http://www.indystar.com/articles/5/206825-6275-036.html

I don't think we will go undefeated in Big Ten play either, obviously games at MSU, Wisky (god I want to break their streak so badly), and Iowa will be tough.

This article has Indiana as a sleeper (obvious slant from Indy media). Since we only play them at home this year, I am not worried. Who do you see as sleepers once conference play opens?? If any

[HouseofPaign]

And now from the Detroit side of things

http://www.detnews.com/2005/msu/0501/04/f01-49187.htm

I guess when there is a question about the Big Ten, you call Izzo. He is all over the place

[HouseofPaign]

Weird point

The Big Ten's 16-game schedule -- each team has two conference opponents that it doesn't play at home and two that it doesn't play on the road -- could have a role in determining the champion.

This is where MSU gets a break. The Spartans don't play at Illinois, and only face Iowa on the road.

doesn't that kind of cancel the advantage out. Not playing us at home helps MSU, but only getting Iowa on the road doesn't. I don't really see the "break" there. Of course not playing at the House of Paign is always a benefit :D

[Dan]

This is where MSU gets a break. The Spartans don't play at Illinois, and only face Iowa on the road. I think the idea is that they only have to play the two highest ranked conference opponents once each, which right now on paper looks like a huge advantage.

[The Sprouting Divot]

What Dan said.

I don't think we'll run the table either, but I don't know who is going to beat us. I expect it'll be some anklebiter like the NW or Purdue games last year--just some time when we don't get into prime form for a mediocre opponent, and they end up biting us.

I wouldn't be surprised if we won two of three out of @WI, @MSU, and @Iowa, either. I sure hope we win in Madison...

[Dan]

Is there a Big Ten team or teams that plays 4 of the following only once? Illinois, Iowa, Ohio St., Wisconsin, Michigan St. Because that team would have the most favorable Big Ten schedule. (Not that that team would win the Big Ten mind you :D )

[HouseofPaign]

True, playing them once IS an advantage, but I like getting them twice. If I was in MSU's shoes I would be p!$$ed off if we lost at Iowa and got no redemption game. Especailly since the team is ranked. Beating a ranked team down the line at home would at least give you another quality win and no clear cut season series winner. I like having Iowa twice this year.