Sunday morning thoughts

Well, I have clearly underestimated Penn State, overestimated Terrelle Pryor (can't throw for 100 yards against Purdue?), underestimated Minnesota, and don't know what to make of Iowa. Here how I'd rank the Big Ten right now:

1. Penn State. You saw why last night. Don't see the obvious weakness here. Why did Daryll Clark sit behind Anthony Morelli for two seasons? The guy is tremendous.

2. Ohio State. Can't score an offensive touchdown at home against Purdue? 221 yards on offense? A significant weakness for this team.

3. Michigan State. Another day, another 35 carries for Javon Ringer.

4. Illinois. Minnesota beat them, but the Illini outgained them by 250 yards. We might be able to score on their defense.

5. Minnesota. Seems like Adam Weber has cut down on his turnovers.

6. Northwestern. They played someone legit and lost big, surprise, surprise.

7. Iowa. They had a guy named Jewel Hampton run for three touchdowns against Indiana? Parents can be so cruel.

8. Michigan. After they beat us their fans were commenting on our overweight offensive linemen (a position traditionally manned by skinny guys, apparently). Then I saw their, ahem, stocky kicker miss a chip shot to clinch a loss to Toledo. Maybe he was worn down. Better get him with that new conditioning coach, get rid of that paunch.

On a personal note: Toledo's quarterback yesterday was a kid named Aaron Opelt, who is from my old stomping grounds of Fremont, Ohio. When he was in fifth or sixth grade I helped coach a basketball team, and the only game we won was against his team. It helped that he had to leave at halftime, otherwise we likely would have ended up winless. His dad was the track coach at the local high school, really nice guy, and I was happy to see them come up with the big win.

Still, I was almost more disappointed Saturday about our loss to Michigan two weeks ago than the loss to Penn State, based on the fact that Michigan lost to Toledo.

9. Wisconsin. Spending the holidays in Detroit? Hopefully!

10. Purdue. Bad way to send Joe Tiller out.

11. Indiana. Maybe Tom Crean can lend one of his scholarship basketball players to help out.