The Original Michigan Monday: Looks Around The Big Ten

Michigan gets a much needed bye week after two weeks on the road and starting the season 6-0.  This week is a good time to look around the Big Ten and see what is happening with other East contenders and rivals.  

Michigan State:  I don't pay too much attention to Sparty in the off season, unless their are going through a coaching change.  I had no idea they decided to rebuild through the transfer portal.   This strategy has not only worked, should be considered a home run.   They are ranked 11th and on Saturday ran over a Rutgers program that Michigan struggled with a few weeks ago.  This team is good and will give test everything Michigan has later this month.  MSU takes on IU this weekend, in which will be a great scouting game for Michigan fans.  

Ohio State:  This team wasn't very good early.  They had a new QB and a shaky defense.  What fixes those things? Tulsa, Akron, Rutgers, and Maryland.  This team is always dangerous as they and on a bye week as well. 

Penn State:  Was in control of the game at Iowa until QB Clifford went down with an injury.  I know James Franklin is a great recruiter and probably wanted by USC and other programs looking to bounce back.  With that said, he has to be one of the worst in-game coaches I've ever seen.  Once Clifford went out, Penn State best chance was to run the ball and shorten the game.  He did just the opposite and was running tempo and having a QB with zero confidence trying to throw the ball.  If Clifford is ok, Michigan will have a tough time winning at Happy Valley at night in another White Out. 

Iowa: is now the only team in the West and can moon walk to Indy.  They have an easy schedule remaining and won't be tested the rest of the year.  I still don't think their offense is good enough to beat a Georgia or Alabama, or even a Michigan or Ohio State on a neutral field.  The only trip ups possible is @ Wisconsin in a couple weeks or @Nebraska to end the season.  If Nebraska wants that signature win, that could be the one.  Host Purdue on Saturday.

Michigan - Ohio State - Penn State - Michigan State all play each other in the 2nd half of the season.  The East will get figured out on the field.   Iowa just has to take care of business, as they will be favored in all their remaining regular season games. 

This weekend Big Ten games are just awful.  

MSU @ IU is the best game. Strangest game:  Army @ Wisconsin.  Be careful Badgers, be very careful here. 

• Michigan offensive line took some injuries on Saturday.  Let's hope Keegan, Zinter and Filiaga all can heal up during these two weeks.  Also Roman Wilson's injury was confirmed, he didn't travel and is expected to have some sort of wrist injury.  

• Speaking of traveling, I see that Ronnie Bell has been traveling with the team.  That is great news and great for the team that a captain can be that involved with an season ending injury. 

• I still believe Michigan needs to find another WR in this offense with both Ronnie and Roman out.  True freshman Christian Dixon/Andrel Anthony are my first choices, but they probably want to preserve their red shirt (I think they would only play 1 of the 2 for that reason).  My second choice would be Dax Hill.  He plays a ton of snaps on defense, so that is probably not an option.   I see they are putting #7 Donovan Edwards out there, but that makes me nervous for some reason.  I don't think he is a natural pass catcher on down field throws.