In recent years, there has been a growing consensus that the Big Ten conference has reached an era of decline. In making this case, detractors usually point to repeatedly poor non-conference play and a dismal bowl game record. Though supporters of the Big Ten had high hopes that the 2009 season could be a return to glory of sorts, it is now becoming more and more evident that the quest for ineptitude is only just beginning.
Of course, one could hardly write such an article without mentioning Ohio State's most recent loss to Purdue. The Boilermakers, coming into the game with a 1-5 record, struck a serious blow to the Buckeye hopes and dreams. It seems like "The Ohio State Buckeyes" may be headed for "The Poulan Weedeater Bowl" this year.
Its not all doom and gloom though. There is always the Michigan Wolverines. Enjoying national powerhouse status, the Wolverines continue to find themselves ranked in the top 10, as they set the standard for twenty-first century collegiate football. Given their historically prestigious program, combined with their depth chart of all-world talent level players and coaches, it seems almost certain that Michigan will be in direct contention for the national title every year for the next twenty five years. Though many of their opponents pray that some type of dark horse program will come along and knock them off their pedestal, it just doesn't seem like a possibility at this point.
Hold on, now. Wait a minute. I just received an urgent communication via facsimile from the Ministry of Truth. It seems that I have been found guilty of posting nonsense classified as "Magnitude 99." The recommended penalty, in all instances, is death. Maybe the ACLU can bargain for clemency on my behalf.
Of course, one could hardly write such an article without mentioning Ohio State's most recent loss to Purdue. The Boilermakers, coming into the game with a 1-5 record, struck a serious blow to the Buckeye hopes and dreams. It seems like "The Ohio State Buckeyes" may be headed for "The Poulan Weedeater Bowl" this year.
Its not all doom and gloom though. There is always the Michigan Wolverines. Enjoying national powerhouse status, the Wolverines continue to find themselves ranked in the top 10, as they set the standard for twenty-first century collegiate football. Given their historically prestigious program, combined with their depth chart of all-world talent level players and coaches, it seems almost certain that Michigan will be in direct contention for the national title every year for the next twenty five years. Though many of their opponents pray that some type of dark horse program will come along and knock them off their pedestal, it just doesn't seem like a possibility at this point.
Hold on, now. Wait a minute. I just received an urgent communication via facsimile from the Ministry of Truth. It seems that I have been found guilty of posting nonsense classified as "Magnitude 99." The recommended penalty, in all instances, is death. Maybe the ACLU can bargain for clemency on my behalf.
All joking aside, It really isn't all that bad. As an SEC fan, I get a little enjoyment from time to time poking fun at the other conferences. Though I do believe that the SEC is the strongest conference from top to bottom, this dominance is not overwhelming by any means. Florida played a very close game against unranked Arkansas, and usually powerful LSU has been unable to put away a lot of schools that have been historically weak. Overall, I would say that the state of NCAA football resembles what the NFL has been in the last two decades. It seems that "On any given Saturday, any team can prevail. This seems very hard to deny ever since the 2007 season.
As far as the Big Ten is concerned, I think that Ron Zook, head coach of the fighting Illini, made a rather simple but very meaningful point. Yes, the Big Ten has very capable athletes and a more than supportive fan base, but until Big Ten teams make a strong showing in non-conference and bowl games, the nay-sayers will not be silenced.
As far as the Big Ten is concerned, I think that Ron Zook, head coach of the fighting Illini, made a rather simple but very meaningful point. Yes, the Big Ten has very capable athletes and a more than supportive fan base, but until Big Ten teams make a strong showing in non-conference and bowl games, the nay-sayers will not be silenced.
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