Saturday, November 10, 2007

Big 10, big games, and nervousness

I'm watching Wisconsin administer a whoopin' on Michigan, which makes me nervous. Now, the Wolverines' sole motivation for Michigan-Ohio State game is all about ruining Ohio State's perfect season.

The Ohio State-Illinois game also makes me nervous. Twice in the past five years, Ohio State has entered the Illinois game undefeated and received a scare. In 2002, the Buckeyes outlasted the Illini 23-16 in OT. Last year, Ohio State played too conservative and close to the Vest. Illinois got momentum, but came up short -- OSU won 17-10.

This year, the Illini bring a winning record, a spread offense and a stable full of good players to Ohio Stadium. Could they pull an upset in the 'Shoe? I worry with good reason. According to Jack Park, author of The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia, the Buckeyes have been gracious hosts.

Also, the Illibuck trophy is on the line today. The Big Ten is full of strange awards like the Illibuck, and The Columbus Dispatch features them in an article today.

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