Buckeye - Bulldog rematch coming up?

A lot has happened since the Buckeyes won in Ann Arbor.

The Indiana Hoosiers won the B1G for the first time since 1967 and are facing off against Alabama in Pasadena.

It was a crazy night in Indianapolis, as the very pro-Indiana crowd fueled the Hoosiers to victory over Ohio State for the first time since 1988.  

Sure I was furious at Ryan Day's late game decision making, not having a kicker, and the offensive line playing their worst game of the season, but I walked out of the building feeling more happy for the Indiana program than upset about the Buckeyes losing.  Maybe it's because the Buckeyes finally beat Michigan the week before or the fact that the game doesn't have any bearing on the national title chances.

I have not experienced fans that happy since maybe the Ohio State - Alabama Sugar Bowl.  We're so spoiled as Buckeye fans that it takes program-altering games to experience that much joy.  I saw many grown men sobbing and lots of close embraces.  Until this recent two year peak, Indiana was the losingest team in college football history. 

Michigan has fired a coach, the coach has been arrested, and they hired a 66-year old who had been at Utah for 30 years!  Making fun of Sherrone Moore ended up getting a little sad after a couple days, as he was stalking a former lover and threatening to kill himself with a butter knife.  After a laughable coaching search, they ended up hiring Utah legend Kyle Whittingham.  Unfortunately, he's not a "Michigan Man" and is exactly what they need to clean up the mess up north.  

Though, he did lie in his opening presser when he said that he remembered watchin the OSU-Michigan game when he was seven.  This issue there is that he was born November 21st, 1959 and in 1966 the game was on November 19th, so he was only six, and the 1967 game was on November 25th, so he was eight, thus there was never and OSU-Michigan game when he was seven.

We're on to the playoff quarterfinals.  Ohio State faces Miami in the Cotton Bowl.  Arlington is becoming a second home for the Buckeyes as it's their third Cotton Bowl in a row.  The Hurricanes struggled against Texas A&M, winning 10-3 in a clunker of a game.  Both teams moved the ball, but faltered near the endzones, with multiple missed kicks and turnovers.  

Oregon and Texas Tech square off in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day.  This game is truly a toss up as two good defenses will battle it out.

Indiana can continue their magical season by beating Alabama in the Rose Bowl.  The weather forecast doesn't look great, as rain is expected much of the day.  Will is still be the "best day ever"?

Georgia faces off against a Lane Kiffin-less Ole Miss team in the Sugar Bowl.  Look for the Bulldogs to roll on to Arizona.

Go Bucks and Happy New Year from the DFW!

 

2025 B1G Power Rankings - Week 14

The Buckeyes finally got it done in Ann Arbor as they overcame a shaky start to smother Michigan.  The game was sealed on the 11:56 drive that started in the 3rd quarter and didn't end until 8 minutes left in the 4th.  The 20 play drive cemented a dominant win for the Buckeyes as they ran the ball 16 times, leading to the game sealing field goal.  

Now all eyes turn to Indianapolis as the #1 Buckeyes face #2 Indiana.  This will be the first time in the 15 years of the B1G championship that two undefeated teams will square off.  Some will say it doesn't matter, and in a national championship perspective it probably doesn't, but it's going to be an awesome matchup of the top two teams in the country.  The winner will be the clear #1 and head to Pasadena.  The loser should drop no further than #3 and may even stay at #2, setting up a possible rematch for the national title in Miami.  

Now for the power rankings:

1. Ohio State (12-0) -  The Bucks vanquished the enemy to finish the season 12-0 with Indiana on deck this weekend.

2. Indiana (12-0) - The Hoosiers had no trouble with Purdue and are excited to make their first trip to the B1G title game.

3. Oregon (11-1) - The Ducks beat Washington to finish the season with the lone loss to Indiana.  They get the weekend off to rest up for the playoff.  Their assured of a home game against an overmatched auto qualifier at worst and may even end up with a bye.  

4. USC (9-3) - The Trojans beat UCLA to end the season.  They had respectable losses to Notre Dame and Oregon, but an early season loss at Illinois cost them a potential playoff spot.

5. Michigan (9-3) - The Wolverines were brought back to reality after a Buckeye thumping.  The record probably ends up looking better than they were.  The quarterback was inconsistent all season and downright horrible in The Game.  They're young and should be better in 2026.

6. Iowa (8-4) - The Hawkeyes had no issues with a beat up Nebraska team as they finished the season strong.  They lost to the four best teams they played in Iowa State, Indiana, Oregon, and USC.  They'll get a chance to square off with an SEC in a Florida Bowl.

7. Washington (8-4) - The Huskies fell to Oregon.  They lost to the three best teams they played and an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin.  It was an improvement on 2024, but still disappointing in that they weren't really competitive in their three big losses.  They'll look to improve in 2026.  

8. Illinois (8-4) - It was a disappointing season for Illinois as they were beaten handily in their four losses, including a late season loss to Wisconsin.  

9. Minnesota (7-5) - The Gophers beat Wisconsin to end the season on a high note.  

10. Nebraska (7-5) - The depleted Huskers lost to Iowa to end another season with a whimper.  After starting the season 5-1, they lost 5 of 7.  Will Dylan Raiola be back in 2026?  

11. Northwestern (6-6) - The Wildcats fell to Illinois in the final game.  They certainly overachieved as six wins is great as they open new Ryan Field next season.

12. Penn State (6-6) - The Lions beat Rutgers to become bowl eligible.  It was a disappointing season on all accounts as they lost six in a row in the middle of the season, which included firing James Franklin after their third loss.  At this point in December they are still with out a coach and signed two recruits on NSD.  They seem destined for the bottom of the league for years to come.

13. Rutgers (5-7) - The Scarlet Knights fell to Penn State and miss out on a bowl game.  They started the season 3-0, before only winning two conference games, over hapless Purdue and Maryland.  Look for more of the same in 2026.

14. Wisconsin (4-8) - Things were looking pretty bleak for the Badgers until late season wins over Washington and Illinois.  They are bringing back Luke Fickell in 2026 and things maybe look a little better as the schedule isn't as brutal.

15. UCLA (3-9) - The Bruins went on a mid season surge, winning three in a row, before losing their last five games.  They are set to hire JMU coach Bob Chesney as they look forward to 2026.

16. Michigan State (4-8) -  The Spartans beat Maryland in the final week for their first conference win, but still fired head coach Jonathan Smith.  They made the hire of the cycle as former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald is coming to East Lansing.

17. Maryland (4-8) -  The Terrapins started 4-0, only to lose their last eight games.  It was a brutal season and head coach Mike Locksley is expected to return in 2026.

18. Purdue (2-10) - The Boilermakers were blasted by Indiana and finished with their second straight 0-9 B1G season, managing one more non-conference win this year.  Barry Odom 

2025 B1G Power Rankings - Week 13

It's The Game week.  The Buckeyes have to win.  The playoffs don't matter.  The only thing that matters is winning in Ann Arbor.  Not much else to say.

Locks for playoffs and Indy could be fun: Ohio State, Indiana

Should be good but maybe a loss and they're out: Oregon

Beat them four in a row, why not a 5th? Michigan

Three playoff spots are still looking good for the B1G.  Can Oregon survive a loss to Washington this week?  I don't think so.

Now for the power rankings:

1. Ohio State (11-0) -  The Bucks tried as little as you possibly can in a 42-9 win.  Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were still out, Julian Sayin completed three passes to WR's, and the defense was dominant.  It all comes down to Saturday as they look for their first win against TTUN since 2019!

2. Indiana (11-0) - The Hoosiers were off and travel to hapless Purdue on Friday night.  We're this close to a #1 vs #2 matchup in Indianapolis.

3. Oregon (10-1) - The Ducks controlled the game from the start against USC.  They're probably going to need a win at Washington this Saturday to lock up a playoff birth.

4. USC (8-3) - The Trojans fell at Oregon to end any playoff hopes. They host UCLA this week.

5. Michigan (9-2) - The Wolverines handled Maryland and host Ohio State this week.  A win and they should be in the playoff.  

6. Washington (8-3) - The Huskies had no issues with UCLA and look to play spoiler as they host Oregon this week.

7. Iowa (7-4) - The Hawkeyes needed a kick at the buzzer to beat Michigan State.  The travel to Nebraska this week with bowl pecking order on the line.

8. Illinois (7-4) - The Illini lost to a bad Wisconsin team and host Northwestern this week.

9. Nebraska (7-4) - The Huskers lost big at a resurgent Penn State.  Things have come off the rails a bit since losing Dylan Raiola for the season.  They host Iowa on Friday.

10. Northwestern (6-5) - The Wildcats beat Minnesota is a Wrigley Field shootout.  They travel to Illinois this week.

11. Minnesota (6-5) - The Gophers lost at Northwestern and host Wisconsin this week.

12. Rutgers (5-6) - The Scarlet Knights were outclassed at Ohio State.  They host Penn State this week in the Eligibowl as both teams come in at 5-6.  

13. Penn State (5-6) - The Lions had a nice win over Nebraska and look to get to 6-6 this week at Rutgers.  

14. Wisconsin (4-7) - The Badgers rushed the field after beating Illinois.  I guess you always need to find something to celebrate.

15. Maryland (4-7) - The Terps lost at Penn State for their 7th straight loss.  They head to Michigan State this week, looking to end the season on a positive note.  

16. UCLA (3-8) - The Bruins were dominated by Washington and travel cross town this week to battle USC.

17. Michigan State (3-8) - The Spartans almost got their first B1G win, but blew a fourth quarter lead against Iowa.  They host Maryland on Saturday night in Detroit. Things are going so well, that they're literally giving away tickets.  

18. Purdue (2-9) - The Boilermakers were off and host Indiana this week.  11-0 vs 2-9, it should be a banger.

This Is It. Nothing Else Matters.

42-27.

45-23.

30-24.

13-10.

Four in a row.

The Buckeyes haven't won in Ann Arbor since 2019, a 29 point beatdown in front of a lot of scarlet and gray.

Ohio State had not lost four in a row to Michigan since the early Cooper years.  They haven't lost five in a row since losing six in a row 98 years ago!  

The Buckeyes overcame the most humiliating loss in program history to win a National Championship in 2024.  After losing at home as 20+ point favorites, they went on to roll Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame en route to the title.  They've started this season 11-0 and come in to The Game on a 15 game winning streak, with only one being in the single digits.  Besides the two Texas wins, they really haven't been tested.  None of that matters.  The only thing that matters is Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor.

A National Championship in 2025 means absolutely nothing if they don't take care of business on Saturday.  Last year's title was great and all and a championship this year would cement Ohio State as the premier program in the country, but if it comes with another loss it would feel as hollow as ever. 

Apparently I'm in the minority on the "would you rather beat Michigan or win the national championship?"  I guess it's growing up in the 90's and having watch 2-10-1.  Jim Tressel turned the tide, leading a to a 17-2 run that almost made the last Saturday in November an automatic win.  Students today would rather win a title than beat Michigan, but then say that the Michigan game is all they think about.  Which is it?

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No facebook picture changes, no Calvin memes, no crossing out the "M", no calling them a cesspool.  Let's go win a game, then we can start all of that back up.

I'll be making the drive up north for my 23rd straight game.  Let's get things back to normal.  

Go Bucks! 

2025 B1G Power Rankings - Week 12

There wasn't really any upsets in week 12, but it wasn't without excitement.  Michigan overcame 5 turnovers and multiple missed field goals to beat Northwestern at the buzzer in Wrigley.  They keep alive playoff hopes.  Iowa jumped out early against USC, only to go scoreless in the 2nd half as the Trojans help them off to keep their playoff chances alive.

Locks for playoffs and Indy could be fun: Ohio State, Indiana

Should be good but last two games aren't easy: Oregon

Already lost twice and still plays Oregon this week: USC

Beat them four in a row, why not a 5th? Michigan

Three playoff spots are still looking good for the B1G.  Can USC beat Oregon this week?  Win and they should be in.  Can Oregon survive a loss?  That may be the bigger discussion as they won't really have any good wins.

Now for the power rankings:

1. Ohio State (10-0) -  The result of the game vs UCLA doesn't really matter.  The only thing that matters for the Buckeyes at this point is the injury report.  Carnell Tate was out again and Jeremiah Smith hobbled off the field in the 2nd quarter.  The health of the dynamic wide receiver duo is really the only thing that's important at this point.  They should both be able to sit this week as the Buckeyes host Rutgers.

2. Indiana (11-0) - The Hoosiers were in a fight at the half against Wisconsin before pulling away for a 24-point win.  The Hoosiers are off this week with a rivalry matchup against Purdue being the only thing between them and a B1G Championship birth in Indy.

3. Oregon (9-1) - The Ducks routed Minnesota to set-up a PAC matchup against USC this weekend.  College Gameday is coming to Eugene for the 2nd time this season.  A win and the Ducks pretty much clinch a playoff spot.  A loss and they'll need a win against Washington and maybe a little help.  

4. USC (8-2) - The Trojans came back to beat Iowa 26-21 and head to Eugene to battle Oregon this week.  They should be inside the playoff with a win.  

5. Michigan (8-2) - The Wolverines overcame a horrible game to beat Northwestern at Wrigley Field.  They had two interceptions, three fumbles, two missed field goals, and were 0/1 on 4th down, but still were able to come away with a field goal at the buzzer to keep the playoff hopes alive.  They'll travel to Maryland this week.  

6. Iowa (6-4) - The Hawkeyes lost another close game as they jumped out to a 21-10 halftime lead before going scoreless in the 2nd half and falling to USC.  They host Michigan State this week.  

7. Illinois (7-3) - The Illini beat Maryland and travel to Wisconsin this week.

8. Nebraska (7-3) - The Huskers were off travel to Penn State this week.

9. Washington (7-3) - The Huskies throttled Purdue and travel to UCLA this week.  Is it a job interview for Jedd Fisch?  

10. Northwestern (5-5) - The Wildcats somehow lost to Michigan at Wrigley Field and host Minnesota this week at the friendly confines.

11. Minnesota (6-4) - The Gophers lost big at Oregon and travel to Chicago to face Northwestern this week.

12. Rutgers (5-5) - The Scarlet Knights were off and head to Columbus this weekend looking for bowl eligibility.  They'll likely still be looking next week against Penn State.

13. Penn State (4-6) - The Lions won a game to climb out of the cellar, as they beat B1G winless Michigan State.  They host Nebraska this week as favorites, as 6-6 is in reach.  

14. Maryland (4-6) - The Terps lost at Illinois and host Michigan this week.

15. UCLA (3-7) - The Bruins were dominated in Columbus and host Washington this week.

16. Wisconsin (3-7) - The Badgers kept it close for a while before being blown out in the 2nd half at Indiana.  They host Illinois this week.

17. Michigan State (3-7) - The Spartans are really bad and this may be it for Jonathan Smith in East Lansing as 0-9 in conference play is a real possibility.  They travel to Iowa this week.

18. Purdue (2-9) - The Boilermakers are really really bad as they were blown out at Washington.  They have the week off before hosting Indiana looking to play spoiler.  

2015 B1G Power Rankings - Week 11

Week 11 was awesome in the B1G.  Indiana rallied to win at Penn State with a last minute touchdown.  Oregon won on a walk-off field goal at Iowa.  Wisconsin got their first B1G win over Washington. 

With three weeks to go in the season it looks like the B1G could have 13 teams eligible.  There are ten teams at six wins, with another seven with six or less losses.  Northwestern and Rutgers are at five wins and just need one more.  UCLA, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State are 3-6.  Look for Penn State to finish with three wins (Michigan State, Nebraska, Rutgers).  

Locks for playoffs and Indy could be fun: Ohio State, Indiana

Should be good but last three games aren't easy: Oregon

Already lost twice and still plays Oregon: USC

Beat them four in a row, why not a 5th? Michigan

Three playoff spots are still looking good for the B1G.  Iowa lost a nailbiter against Oregon to be eliminated.  It pretty much comes down to two games Oregon/USC and OSU/Michigan.  If Oregon and Ohio State win then the B1G will be at three playoff teams.  If USC or Michigan can pull off an upset the B1G should get four teams in the playoff.

Now for the power rankings:

1. Ohio State (9-0) -  The Bucks had no issues with Purdue without Carnell Tate and a reconfigured offensive line.  Being healthy is the most important things for the Buckeyes at this point as they have UCLA and Rutgers before the Michigan game.

2. Indiana (10-0) - The Hoosiers had a comeback win over Penn State to stay undefeated.  A tight win over a 3-6 doesn't look great on paper, but it was a good road win over a team still fighting.  They host Wisconsin this week.

3. Oregon (8-1) - The Ducks left Kinnick with a walk-off win, which is all you can ask for.  They host Minnesota this week.

4. USC (7-2) - The Trojans beat Northwestern on Friday night.  They host Iowa this week with the playoffs still in sight.  

5. Michigan (7-2) - The Wolverines were off and travel to Wrigley Field this week for a Big Noon Kickoff.

6. Iowa (6-3) - The Hawkeyes scored with two minutes to take the lead against Oregon, but the defense allowed the Ducks to march down the field and kick a game winner as time expired, extinguishing their playoff hopes.  They travel to USC this week. 

7. Illinois (6-3) - The Illini were off and host Maryland this week.

8. Nebraska (7-3) - The Huskers beat UCLA in the Rose Bowl and are off this week.

9. Washington (6-3) - The Huskies lost at Wisconsin to squash any playoff hopes.  It was a horrible loss to a floundering team.  There's rumors that Jedd Fisch's wife is miserable in Seattle and he's looking for a new job, which probably means Demond Williams is heading with him.  They host Purdue this week.

10. Northwestern (5-4) - The Wildcats lost at USC and host Michigan at Wrigley Field this week.

11. Minnesota (6-3) - The Gophers were off and travel to Oregon this week.

12. Rutgers (5-5) - The Scarlet Knights beat Maryland and are one win away from a bowl game.  They're off this week before traveling to Columbus and hosting Penn State in what could be for bowl eligibility. 

13. UCLA (3-6) - The Bruins lost to Nebraska and travel to Ohio State this week.

14. Maryland (4-5) - The Terps lost at Rutgers and travel to Illinois this week.

15. Wisconsin (3-6) - The Badgers won their first B1G game of the season!  They won a 13-10 slugfest over Washington.  Reality is going to hit hard this week as they travel to Indiana.

16. Michigan State (3-6) - The Spartans were off and host Penn State this week.  The Land Grant trophy came will be extra special this season, as both teams come in to the game 0-6 in the B1G.  Woof.

17. Purdue (2-8) - The Boilermakers lost to Ohio State and travel to Washington this week.

136. Penn State (3-6) - The Lions almost won against #2 Indiana, losing in the last minute.  There's actually a good chance the Lions win their last three games.  Will they opt out of a bowl game at 6-6?

2025 B1G Power Rankings - Week 10

While there were no big upsets in week 10, the B1G was not without excitement.  Ohio State took care of business against Penn State, coming out strong in the third quarter to seal the game.  Indiana had another dominant victory over Maryland after a slow early start.  USC handed Nebraska their third loss and knocked Dylan Raiola out for the season in the process.  Michigan held off Purdue to set up an easy path to The Game.  Illinois had no issues with a bad Rutgers team.  Minnesota beat Michigan State with a game winning kick.  

Week 11 looks to offer a little more excitement as there's a big game in Kinnick Stadium with Oregon facing the Hawkeyes on Saturday night.  Iowa has looked great the past few weeks and look to keep their playoff hopes alive.  Penn State has certainly been disappointing this season, but can they muster up an upset victory as Indiana comes to State College?  

Locks for playoffs and Indy could be fun: Ohio State, Indiana

Should be good but last four games aren't easy: Oregon

Already lost twice and still play Oregon: Iowa, USC, Washington

Beat them four in a row, why not a 5th? Michigan

Three playoff spots are still looking good for the B1G.  If Iowa, USC, or Washington win out they'll be in the playoff.  Will Oregon at 10-2 still get in?  

Now for the power rankings:

1. Ohio State (8-0) -  The Bucks handled Penn State and head to Purdue this week, a place they've lost plenty of times in the past.  Not sure this Purdue team has it in them. 

2. Indiana (9-0) - The Hoosiers smoked Maryland this week for another blowout win.  They at Penn State this week in their last "maybe" test of the regular season.  

3. Oregon (7-1) - The Ducks were off and head to Iowa for a night game at Kinnick.  

4. USC (6-2) - The Trojans beat Nebraska and host Northwestern this week, looking to keep their playoff hopes alive.

5. Michigan (7-2) - The Wolverines struggled against a bad Purdue team.  They're off this week.

6. Washington (6-2) - The Huskies were off and travel to Wisconsin this week.

7. Iowa (6-2) - The Hawkeyes were off and host Oregon on Saturday night.  A win and the playoffs are very much in reach for Iowa.  

8. Illinois (6-3) - The Illini beat Rutgers and are off this week.

9. Nebraska (6-3) - The Huskers late season slide is in full swing as they lost to USC.  They're at UCLA this week.

10. Northwestern (5-3) - The Wildcats were off and travel to USC this week.

11. Minnesota (6-3) - The Gophers beat Michigan State on a kick at the buzzer.  They're off this week.

12. UCLA (3-5) - The Bruins were off and host Nebraska this week.

13. Maryland (4-4) - The Terps lost big to Indiana and travel to Rutgers this week.

14. Rutgers (4-5) - The Scarlet Knights lost to Illinois and host Maryland this week.

15. Michigan State (3-6) - The Spartans lost late to Minnesota are off this week.  

16. Purdue (2-7) - The Boilermakers hung close at Michigan before falling.  They host Ohio State this week looking for a big upset. 

17. Wisconsin (2-6) - The Badgers were off and host Washington this week, still in search of their first B1G win.

136. Penn State (3-5) - The Lions lost big in Columbus and get to host #2 Indiana this week, still in search of their first league win.