ekblaw@uiucdcs.CS.UIUC.EDU (11/08/85)
Before I begin, I'd like to cleear the air a bit. I've been critized recently for dominating the writings on the net. Perhaps that is true, but there is a reason for this -- I'm trying to clarify people's outlook towards the Big Ten Conference. My problem is that I am dealing with people who have longer memories (must be due to consorting with computers) than those of the sportswriters, which is typically only about a year long. In the early 80s (80,81, and maybe 82) most of the teams in the Big Ten were in a rebuilding phase. Consequently, there was only one, maybe two, good teams coming out of the conference at that time. However, since 1983, that rebuilding phase is over most of them. During the last three years, this conference as produced four, sometimes five, strong teams. The sportwriters are now used to it, and credit the Big Ten. However, some of the people on the net still remember the Big Ten of five or six years ago. While I credit your lengthy memories, I appeal to you to value change. Change is a way of life. Conferences and teams have a way of changing, either improving or worsening. While I would be surprised to see, say, an Ivy League team in the National Top 20, I would not go out and exclaim that the writers have lost their heads until I had taken the time to evaluate the teams and their opponents. I am asking all of you to do the same. I think you will find that the SEC (who have also received alot of flack on the net recently) and the Big Ten are much improved. Anyway, I'm not a preist, so I'll end the sermon and get on to what this note is all about -- The Big Ten games of Nov. 9th. 1) Illinois at Iowa: While Illinois has improved over the last few weeks, beating Iowa at home is a tough task. Iowa has lost only once this season, playing at ever-tough Columbus against ever-tough Ohio State. I may be true to my school, but I'm not crazy! Iowa by 13. 2) Michigan State at Indiana: Indiana has improved from last year (not too hard to improve from 0:11, though), but they still have a ways to go to be a Big Ten contender. MSU has momentum on their side, and they're not going to let the Hoosiers stand in their way. MSU by 10. 3) Purdue at Michigan: Purdue is good, but too much like the Cleveland Browns of the late seventies and early eighties -- too inconsistent. Michigan has a high-powered defense, and they hold a grudge. They wanted a win last week, and had to settle for a tie. This game is a "must-win" situation for Michigan if they wish to keep a chance for the Big Ten title this year. Purdue, unfortunately, doesn't stand a chance. Michigan by 13. 4) Wisconsin at Minnesota: This is tough one. Wisconsin has had its share of difficulties this year, but they are a good team. Minnesota has improved from the last three years, but can they do it? I think they stand a chance. They'v lost two in a row, and see Wisconsin as their opportunity to bounce back. It'll be close, but I think the Gophers can squeeze it out. Minnesota by 6. 5) Ohio State at Northwestern: If anyone picks Northwestern, they're nuts! Northwestern has improved slightly, but not enough. Their main achievements this year have been a winning out-of-conference record (2:1) and preventing their perrenial shutouts (none this year!). But to beat Ohio State!??! They'd need to kill nearly all of the first and second stringers on the OSU line-up. No chance! OSU by 17, but probably 21 or more. Out-of-conference biggies: ------------------------- In an effort to dissolve any claims of favoritism, I'll offer picks on big games in other conferences. Pac 10: UCLA at Arizona - Arizona is good, but the Sun Devils will be exorcised (exercised) by the Bruins. UCLA by 14. SEC: Geeorgia at Florida - Here is an intense rivalries; perhaps the biggest in the Southeastern conference. Georgia leads the career games of this meeting 39:21:2. Georgia is out to try to take the title away from Florida. The Bulldogs are foaming at the mouth. But... Florida by 7 (Go Gators!). Southwest: Texas at Houston - Come on, guys! This one is too easy! Houston would have a better chance against Northwestern, and evn then it would be tough. Texas by (at least!) 24. Finally, for all you Irish fans, Mississippi at Notre Dame: Ole Miss is good, but those Irishmen know how to fight. They know how to win, too. Notre Dame by 10. There you have it. See you next week! Robert A. Ekblaw