Quote:
Originally Posted by Gatorubet
I meant the phrase as "overall", and more specifically, the two conferences' top teams both being equal, but the SEC bottom being more of a threat to the SEC top that the Big-10 bottom was to the Big-10 top as far as upsets and the "on any given day" thing. Not meant as a slight. I just think that your lower tier teams are more of a sure "W" when you play them than our lower tier teams are a "W" when we play them. They mostly all scare the crap out of me on any given Satuday. Could be wrong, as I do not follow your games as much as ours.
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I think anyone on this board respects that no matter how bad Purdue, Illinois, Michigan St, Northwestern and Minnesota are, they're never easy outs. All of these teams have been to bowl games this decade, and each has traditionally had an offensive style, call it a 'gimmick' if you choose, that makes them incredibly difficult to defense. Minnesota's running game under Glen Mason was always good -- Alabama and Arkansas both have bowl losses to them in the past five years that emphasize that point.
Indiana is traditionally the only 'sure thing' for the heavyweights, and that appeared to begin changing when Terry Hoeppner (RIP) took over. Cam Cameron and Gerry DiNardo made a real mess of that program. When Hoep took over in 2005, Indiana didn't even have 85 scholarship players, despite having 85 scholarships to give. It wasn't like they were on probation or anything. That situation was an absolute train wreck.
I think there are some good coaches at some of these programs now that will balance the conference a little further in the next three to four years. Zook will undoubtedly have Illinois loaded for next season, it's a question of whether or not he can do anything with it (I'm sure you appreciate and understand that).
Mark Dantonio instantly gives Michigan State credibility as well.
As for the top, I would put Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State against any other conferences' Top 3 any day. I have no comment on Michigan or Iowa at this time.
