Let's Remember Who's Not Playing in the B1G Championship

With the addition of perennial football powerhouse, Nebraska Cornhuskers, to the Big Ten the only question over the summer in the Legends division was who would finish second. The chUMps are always a preseason favorite and then there was Iowa who made a statement last year. Michigan State’s schedule was just too brutal to consider finishing even second in the division.

Then we played the games.

Nebraska proved they were real good in that sea of red west of the Mississippi River. They handed the Spartans their only Big Ten loss in what was apparently an emotional game for them. Big Red failed to realize that this is
the Big Ten and you better come ready to play every week. The Saturday following the Spartan win they were shocked by Northwestern in front of the same crowd. Then they win by only three against an overrated Joe Pa-less team setting the stage for a blow out in the Pig House.

Iowa dashed the Spartans hopes of an undefeated season last year and Sparty had to return to the same stadium also west of the Mighty Mississip. But by the time Sparty showed up to cleanse the demons of last October the Hawkeyes had already lost to Penn State and yes, to Minnesota. Four loses total with three coming from Legends opponents.

Then there were the chUMps who took care of business in the Pig House all year. But they were never in that game down the street against Little Brother and then surprisingly lost at Iowa. Did I mention that Iowa lost to Minnesota? Even a win at Iowa would not have changed the outcome of the B1G matchup since they couldn’t get by Sparty for the fourth year in a row. It’s too bad that the chUMps don’t play Wisconsin next year either. At least they open their non conference schedule in Dallas against Alabama. Good luck with that one boys.

So it’s time to see “how bad Wisconsin will beat Michigan State after losing on that Hail Mary in East Lansing”. Some call it the play of the year. And I can’t argue with them. So let’s give Wisconsin the check mark for over all talent. What you don’t see is the heart of this Spartan team. The defense will play this game with their best defensive end who was suspended for aggressive play the last time these two met. I can see a bend and not breaking defense with a turnover or two in the red zone to give Sparty a hard fought victory. How about 20-17? Wisconsin is already disappointed they aren’t playing for the National Championship. We might as well make their disappointment complete.