BATTERED!

Where do you start? Michigan State had a ton of penalties, turned the ball over twice and Hagerup put them in bad field position more than once. Michigan had plenty of chances to win the game but was abused in the trenches all day. MSU blitzed at will with no problems getting in the backfield on a consistent basis. Wait a second, I think I just seen RT Mark Huyge holding someone again coming off the edge. Sure, you can question play calling, even Michigan looking lethargic on defense many times but just wasn't prepared for the biggest game of the season thus far. Maybe they could have used that bye last week because they looked unfocused and unmotivated. Those are not excuses because MSU played a part in that as well, they took them out of their game.

If I could ask a few questions, here is what they would be? Why was Gardner such a factor today? When did a play action pass on 4th and 1 become a part of Michigans arsenal? Where was the screen passes with all that blitzing? ETC. Whatever the case, Michigan needs a rest and it couldn't have come at a better time. Hopefully Denard is fine and they can prepare for the meat of the schedule that will start up in two weeks. After today, none of those next five are gimmes, even Purdue. Will we witness that losing streak that snowballs after MSU in the past or see a refocused, hungry Michigan team that still has a chance to make it to a title game at the end of the season? Only time will tell.


BIG TEN POWER POLL



1. Wisconsin- No question, play MSU and ohio in the next two. Both on the road.

2. MSU- If that defense can cut penalties and play more disciplined, they are solid. Wisconsin next week will be huge.

3. Nebraska- Idle this week and considering Minnesota is next, that would be two weeks off.

4. Penn State- Yea I know, What the hell. They keep winning and Bama is the only loss. They seem to have worked out the 2 QB rotation. Next week at NU.

5. Michigan- I have been become a bit skeptic myself, but they have weapons and a bye week.

6. Illinois- totally exposed today. Looked like the old Illinois teams of the past.

7. Iowa- WE found out a little more about them today. They are inconsistent but when playing well are dangerous. Indiana and Minnesota next on the schedule.

8. Ohio- If not for the 4-3 record, would have moved up more. Herrons fresh legs and a stingy D manhandles Illinois. Get a bye week before a matchup with the mighty Badgers in two weeks.

9.Northwestern- They are going to surprise someone with that offense. It may be next week against PSU @ home.

10.Purdue- Same as NU. They host Illinois next week for homecoming. Can you say upset? I don't know, but they can score.

11. Indiana- Whatever you think about them is fine.

12. Minnesota- they play NEB, Iowa, MSU, Wisc, NU and Illinois to finish the season. I see a winning streak coming on.