Hammer and Rails - Purdue vs. Iowa Game Week: OMHR AWAITS!!!Purdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2017-11-17T10:45:02-05:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/33740152017-11-17T10:45:02-05:002017-11-17T10:45:02-05:00Purdue vs. Iowa OMHR Predictions
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<img alt="Migrants Continue To Arrive In Hungary" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G6J39U_PCGqPYACS2MC-8AkGTkA=/0x0:5760x3840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57641303/487283292.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ya see, because it’s Iowa so there’s corn. | Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Can Purdue recover and keep bowl eligibility alive?</p> <p id="LgXowz"><strong>Travis (6-4) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="OZ0BmS">It's going to be cold, windy, and Purdue is beaten up. That's bad. Iowa has struggled to score points on everyone except Iowa State, Ohio State, and North Texas. That's good! Ultimately, I haven't seen enough out of Purdue's offense since the Rutgers game to have a lot of faith. We're gaining yards, but they are empty yards without points. We also have only one turnover forced in four games and we seem to be relying too much on fake punts to move the chains on 4th downs instead of the ability to get a single yard on the ground. I hope I am wrong, but I think good Iowa shows up and wins. </p>
<p id="KfoFLX"><strong>Iowa 24</strong></p>
<p id="yiwes5"><strong>Purdue 14</strong></p>
<p id="0RhZzE"><strong>Kyle (7-2) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="WUSeHi">Iowa isn't that good. Our guys shouldn't be intimidated by them. Now, they are more talented than us, that is true. But the drubbing they put on Ohio State was a game that O$U wins 4 out of 5 times.</p>
<p id="FTLHkf">I don't think we win this one, but we keep it competetive. It will be a defensive struggle with both offenses being less than stellar. If we turn the ball over a bunch, it will get ugly quick. The Iowa defense can do that to you.</p>
<p id="8JAgWv">I will go with this.</p>
<p id="2pMuRP"><strong>Iowa 31</strong></p>
<p id="Da8bnt"><strong>Purdue 17</strong></p>
<p id="xECZd6"><strong>Juan (5-5) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="rCLQep">The only people who care about Iowa are failed presidential candidates. </p>
<p id="t5YZDO"><strong>Purdue 14</strong></p>
<p id="w1SfGy"><strong>Our Most Hated Rivals 20</strong></p>
<p id="UuH3XH"><strong>Casey (5-1) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="6y3k1M">I really do think it comes down to just one thing: Sindelar isn't good at quarterbacking. Blough could make just enough plays to make an upset exciting. I don't think there's any of that with Sindelar behind center. The receivers aren't going to help him and the offensive line is going to struggle to hold back the Hawkeyes. Our defense will keep surprising, but not enough. They'll wear down late. </p>
<p id="Oyyxmq"><strong>Iowa 28</strong></p>
<p id="S9zqZW"><strong>Purdue 11</strong></p>
<p id="akdJut"><strong>Drew (2-0) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="cXGN5t">I have abstained from predictions because I don’t like being negative buuuuuuut...</p>
<p id="1TATQK"><strong>Iowa 31</strong></p>
<p id="kaAjDQ"><strong>Purdue 10</strong></p>
<p id="dzie14"><strong>Jumbo Heroes (8-2) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="6j6vj9">If Purdue had any sort of offense they would already be bowl eligible. Unfortunately, they’ve got a handful of injured running backs, Blough is done for the year, and now Sindelar may not be able to go on Saturday leaving Purdue to play their third string quarterback. That could spell trouble against an Iowa team that has beaten Ohio State and then seemed to forget all about that.</p>
<p id="FLuf5b">For Purdue it’s hard enough to go into Iowa and win during a good year, but right now I just don’t think Purdue can hang with this Iowa team. Purdue’s bowl hopes die tomorrow, but the season is still a success.</p>
<p id="2vQGcv"><strong>Purdue 13</strong></p>
<p id="7sQuqr"><strong>Iowa 28</strong></p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/11/17/16668778/purdue-vs-iowa-omhr-predictionsjumboheroesBoilerTMillJuan CrespoCasey BartleyDrew Schneiderkholderf2012-11-12T14:34:16-05:002012-11-12T14:34:16-05:00The Whistlestop Tour: Week 11 Of Big Ten Football
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Big Ten title game is almost decided. </p> <p></p>
<p>One half of the Big Ten Championship Game was decided this weekend when Wisconsin crushed Indiana to lock up the Leaders Division bid. It doesn't matter what the Badgers do in the next two weeks against Ohio State and Penn State. They will head to Indianapolis regardless because they are a good team and the rest of the division either sucks or is ineligible.</p>
<p>The other half of the game was narrowed down to two teams thanks to Michigan's escape against Northwestern and Nebraska's comeback against Northwester. The Cornhuskers now have the advantage, needing only to beat Minnesota and Iowa to reach Indianapolis. Michigan must beat Iowa and Ohio State while hoping Nebraska is upset in one of its last two games.</p>
<p>As for the rest of the league, it is all about bowl positioning. Since Indiana and Purdue still must play each other the conference is guaranteed to have a maximum of eight bowl eligible teams, but it is more likely to have 6 or 7. Here is how that picture looks with two games left for everyone:</p>
<p><b>Eligible: </b><b>Nebraska</b><b>, </b><b>Michigan</b><b>, Northwestern, </b><b>Wisconsin</b><b>, </b><b>Minnesota</b></p>
<p><b>Need 1 win: </b><b>Michigan</b><b> </b><b>State</b></p>
<p><b>Need 2 wins: </b><b>Iowa</b><b>, </b><b>Purdue</b><b>, </b><b>Indiana</b></p>
<p><b>Ineligible: </b><b>Ohio</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b>, </b><b>Penn State</b><b>, </b><b>Illinois</b></p>
<p>And finally, the order of selection:</p>
<p><b>Rose: </b>Winner between Wisconsin and the Nebraska-Michigan Division winner (Nebraska has tiebreaker)</p>
<p><b>Capitol One: </b>Likely the Big Ten title game loser</p>
<p><b>Outback: </b>Probably the third team from the Wisconsin-Michigan-Nebraska troika</p>
<p><b>Gator: </b>Northwestern is the best option, but could pick Michigan State if Sparty beats the Wildcats Saturday.</p>
<p><b>Buffalo Wild Wings</b>: Michigan State if it loses to NW but beats Minnesota. NW if loses to Sparty. Minnesota if MSU doesn't reach eligibility, and it is their best-case scenario.</p>
<p><b>Meinecke Car Care of </b><b>Dallas</b>: This is likely Minnesota's worst case scenario. Purdue is here if eligible, but Iowa and MSU are not. Indiana goes here if it reaches 6-6 and both Michigan State and Iowa do not.</p>
<p><b>Heart of Dallas: </b>Purdue's most likely destination if it wins the next two games since Minnesota beat us straight up and Michigan State is a better pick if eligible. Indiana also likely goes here if it beats Penn State and Purdue.</p>
<p><b>Little Caesar's Pizza: </b>This is Iowa's spot if eligible, but they must beat Michigan AND Nebraska, their two division leaders, just to get to 6-6. Lose one and this bowl will not have enough Big Ten teams eligible since the Purdue-Indiana winner eliminates the other at best.</p>
<p>Now, onto this last week:</p>
<p><b>Wisconsin</b><b> 62, </b><b>Indiana</b><b> 14</b></p>
<p>I admit I had a nice smirk going because Indiana were adding the whole, "We might go to the Rose Bowl!" attitude to their basketball attitude and they were getting a little too cocky. It was nice to see them taken down a peg by <a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2012/11/11/3630284/wisconsin-62-indiana-14-hoosiers-overmatched">getting absolutely steamrolled</a>:</p>
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<p>Well, so much for all those magical thoughts. The hard reality of Wisconsin's rushing attack and defense quickly ended IU's conference title aspirations and put the Hoosiers' bowl hopes up against the wall. IU, at 4-6, still can qualify for a bowl game, but will have to win at Penn State and at Purdue to get there. I don't think it was crazy to think that IU could compete with a team that nearly lost to Utah State and Northern Iowa and was starting a first-timer at quarterback, but obviously the Hoosiers had no hope against a Wisconsin team playing to its potential.</p>
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<p>It does give Purdue a game plan for playing Indiana. We should absolutely run the damn ball on every single play until they prove they can stop it, then run some more because that was obviously a fluke.</p>
<p>Bucky's Fifth Quarter was obviously elated to return to Indianapolis and earn a possible third straight trip to Pasadena:</p>
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<p>After the win, Bielema was proud of his squad's response to a rocky loss and losing their starting quarterback just two weeks earlier, earning the team shot for the program's third consecutive Rose Bowl.</p>
<p>"Give a lot of credit to our guys perseverance," Bielema said. "Because a lot of times people will let go of the rope in this situation or back away from the things that are in front of them, but our guys just charge ahead at full speed."</p>
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<p><b>Michigan</b><b> 38, Northwestern 31 OT</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36722/roy-roundtree">Roy Roundtree</a> is a certified heartbreaker for the Wolverines, as he caught a miraculous heave to set up the game-tying field goal in regulation and <a href="http://www.sippinonpurple.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/11/11/3629900/northwestern-michigan-recap-football">shattering the souls of Sippin' On Purple</a>:</p>
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<p>Of course, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113843/devin-gardner">Devin Gardner's</a> pass to Roy Roundtree was tipped, hung in the air for probably less than a quarter-second, but basically three millenia, and found its way into Roundtree's hands to put Michigan in field goal range, tie the game up, and eventually win in overtime. Northwestern played Russian Roulette with a 1,000 barrel revolver and a single bullet, and yet here we are, sweeping their brains off the floor. We looked around and said "you can't be serious!", and whoever "you" is, he wanked aggressively and confirmed to us that he was. He was and remains completely serious, and every second we are closer to dying is his new favorite second.</p>
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<p>Maize N' Brew, naturally, <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2012/11/12/3632766/michigan-northwestern-football-big-ten-brady-hoke-devin-gardner-roy-roundtree-fitzgerald-toussaint">had the opposite reaction</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Fast forward to the end. Devin Gardner steps up, plants, and launches a pass downfield to a single-covered Roy Roundtree. He is near the Northwestern 10 yard line, on the same side of the field as the aforementioned fumble. The initial play was the point, and in every point lies the seeds of a counterpoint, a balancing argument or occurrence. This counterpoint doesn't always happen immediately, and so we don't always recognize it as such.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Purdue 27, </b><b>Iowa</b><b> 24</b></p>
<p>There is emo, then there is Black heart Gold Pants After the Hawkeyes <a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/football/2012/11/11/3631136/purdue-27-iowa-24-trainwrecked">fell once again</a>:</p>
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<p>At least Ferentz admitted to being outcoached by a guy who has a 20-27 overall record in four seasons at Purdue and is a near-certainty to get the axe at the end of the year. That's a first.</p>
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<p>Ouch</p>
<p><b>Nebraska</b><b> 32, Penn State 23</b></p>
<p>I didn't get to see much of this since I went to see Skyfall, but judging by the reactions it was a wild won. The Cornhuskers now control their fate for Indianapolis <a href="http://www.cornnation.com/2012/11/10/3629042/nebraska-come-back-win-over-penn-state-late-game-thread">thanks to a questionable call</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Down 29-23, Penn State fumbles as a receiver is going into the end zone. It's ruled a fumble, anyway. Nebraska maintains the lead and goes on to win 32-23.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Penn State fans were not so happy at that call, and the Nittany Lions <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2012/11/10/3628862/screwed-nebraska-32-penn-state-23">have now lost two of three</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For the second straight week, Nebraska was handed a win by the sad excuse of Foot Locker employees the Big Ten calls its referees.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Minnesota</b><b> 17, </b><b>Illinois</b><b> 3</b></p>
<p>People watched this game? Apparently the Daily Gopher did, because all that matters for the Golden Gophers is that <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2012/11/10/3629276/minnesota-golden-gophers-football-bowl-bound-and-it-feels-so-good">there will be a bowl game</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm sure Gopher Nation will have one of his quality recaps up at some point. But I'm too excited about the Gophers being bowl eligible to wait on this post. There have been plenty of ups and downs to contend with as a Gopher fan in recent seasons. Which is why I don't feel awkward at all about celebrating this team's accomplishment. Let the haters and naysayers blab their "mediocre bowl" nonsense. This team was not expected to do this well but they did it anyhow. This is a team that has gotten bowl eligible despite playing with an injury depleted roster, moving to a true frosh QB halfway through the year, and on and on with the obstacles. This is a big step for the program's momentum. We all know that this isn't a great football team yet. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy this.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As for Illinois, The Champaign Room notes that the first year for the Fighting Illini under Tim Beckman has <a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2012/11/10/3628910/minnesota-17-illinois-3-so-you-thought-it-couldnt-get-any-worse">definitely not gone well</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>So, yeah. The Illini just got held to 3 points at home by Minnesota. The Illini managed a whole 276 yards of offense today. A week after managing 170 yards against Ohio State. That's 446 yards of offense in two games.</p>
<p>Wisconsin rushed for 564 yards today in a single game. Against an Indiana team that beat us 31-17 two weeks ago.</p>
<p>That's Illinois football right now. And that's alcohol in your home.</p>
<p>Get it. Drink it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Non-Conference Opponents:</b></p>
<p><b>Eastern Kentucky</b><b> 55, </b><b>Murray</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b> 24 - </b>The Colonels have <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=323152198">finished their regular season</a> and will wait to see if 8-3 is enough to receive an FCS playoff bid. They are a half game out of first place behind eastern Illinois, who beat them 24-7 to clinch the auto-bid from the OVC.</p>
<p><b>Notre Dame 21, </b><b>Boston</b><b> </b><b>College</b><b> 6 - </b>How <a href="http://www.onefootdown.com/2012/11/12/3629856/boston-college-recap-irish-sleepwalk-to-10-0">delicious would the butthurt</a> be if Notre Dame went undefeated, was shut out of the title game thanks to Oregon and Kansas State, and missed the AP title because of Ohio State?</p>
<p><b>Central Michigan</b><b> 34, </b><b>Eastern Michigan</b><b> 31 - </b>The Eagles are <a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2012/11/10/3628494/central-michigan-eastern-michigan-final-score/in/3391953">now 1-9 on the season</a> and might be the worst FBS team in the country.<b> </b></p>
<p><b>UAB 38, </b><b>Marshall</b><b> 31 - </b>The Thundering Herd could be the best team we've beaten and they <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=323150005&confId=12">likely won't even make a bowl game</a>.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/12/3636502/big-ten-bowl-projections-week-11-recapBoilerTMill2012-11-12T11:16:35-05:002012-11-12T11:16:35-05:00Kawann Short Named Big Ten Defensive POTW
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<figcaption>Kirk Irwin</figcaption>
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<p>The Purdue senior defensive tackle was dominant against Iowa</p> <p>The good news keeps coming for Purdue football. not only did we defeat Our most Hated Rival and return the Trophy of Badassery from Iowa City, but senior defensive tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37542/kawann-short">Kawann Short</a> was named the Defensive Player of the Week in the Big Ten.</p>
<p><b><u>Defensive Player of the Week</u></b></p>
<p><b>Kawann Short, Purdue</b></p>
<p><b>Sr., DT, East Chicago, Ind./East Chicago Central</b></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "> </span></span></span>Posted six tackles, including a career-best four tackles for loss, as Purdue defeated Iowa 27-24 on the road on Saturday</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "> </span></span></span>Finished with five solo tackles, including a third-quarter sack for a 10-yard loss to help Purdue win in Iowa City for the first time since 1992</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "> </span></span></span>Part of a Purdue defense that held Iowa to just 74 yards rushing after entering the game averaging more than 125 yards per contest</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "> </span></span></span>Takes home his third career Defensive Player of the Week laurel and first this season</p>
<p><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "> </span></span></span>Last Purdue Defensive Player of the Week: Kawann Short (Nov. 14, 2011)</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/12/3635496/kawann-short-named-big-ten-defensive-player-of-the-weekBoilerTMill2012-11-11T09:56:53-05:002012-11-11T09:56:53-05:002012 College Football Blogpoll Week 12
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>Hammer & Rails votes in this week's blogpoll.</p>
<div id="blogpoll-rankings-ballot" style="background:#fff; padding: 0; width:340px; margin: 10px auto">
<h2 style="margin:0;padding:0;font-size:10px;line-height:10px;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/rankings/college-football-blogpoll-top-25"><img alt="SB Nation BlogPoll Top 25 College Football Rankings" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/samsung-blogpoll-top25-ballot.png" style="border:0; display:block" height="84" width="340"></a></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align:center; margin:0; padding:5px 0; font-family:arial; font-size:14px;">
<a href="http://hammerandrails.com" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Hammer & Rails</a> Ballot - Week 11</h3>
<table class="blogpoll-result" style="border-collapse: collapse;border:solid 1px #ccc;margin:0 5px 5px 5px;font-size: 11px; color: #333;font-family:arial;line-height:16px; width:327px;" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
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<th style="background:#ddd; font-weight:bold; text-align:left;padding:2px">Rank</th> <th style="background:#ddd; font-weight:bold; text-align:left;padding:2px">Team</th> <th style="background:#ddd; font-weight:bold; text-align:left;padding:2px">Delta</th>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">1</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Oregon Ducks</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">2</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-st-wildcats" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Kansas St. Wildcats</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">3</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">4</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_down" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_down.gif"> -3</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">5</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-st-seminoles" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Florida St. Seminoles</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">6</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Georgia Bulldogs</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">7</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Florida Gators</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
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<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">8</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/lsu-tigers" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">LSU Tigers</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 2</td>
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<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">9</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-a-m-aggies" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Texas A&M Aggies</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 3</td>
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<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">10</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisiana-tech-bulldogs" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Louisiana Tech Bulldogs</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">11</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/clemson-tigers" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Clemson Tigers</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">12</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Louisville Cardinals</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_down" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_down.gif"> -7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">13</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oklahoma-sooners" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Oklahoma Sooners</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">14</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kent-st-golden-flashes" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Kent St. Golden Flashes</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">15</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">16</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-longhorns" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Texas Longhorns</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_down" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_down.gif"> -1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">17</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">South Carolina Gamecocks</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">18</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">19</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northern-illinois-huskies" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Northern Illinois Huskies</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">20</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Michigan Wolverines</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">21</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Stanford Cardinal</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">22</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/central-florida-knights" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Central Florida Knights</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">23</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">UCLA Bruins</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">
<img alt="Arrow_up" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/misc/blogpoll/arrow_up.gif"> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">24</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Wisconsin Badgers</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">25</td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/tulsa-golden-hurricane" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; color:#C52126">Tulsa Golden Hurricane</a></td>
<td style="padding:2px; border: solid 1px #ccc">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="line-height:14px; padding:4px">
<b>Dropouts</b>: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-st-beavers">Oregon St. Beavers</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/mississippi-st-bulldogs">Mississippi St. Bulldogs</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/toledo-rockets">Toledo Rockets</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ohio-bobcats">Ohio Bobcats</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego St. Aztecs</a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="font-size:12px; margin: 1px 2px 5px 7px;">SB Nation BlogPoll <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/rankings/college-football-blogpoll-top-25" style="color:#C52126; font-weight:bold;">College Football Top 25 Rankings</a> "</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Let the politics begin!</p>
<ul>
<li>With only three eligible unbeatens someone will be very unhappy if things stay as they are. I would say Notre Dame is the mostly likely choice to finish unbeaten, as they have an easy home game and a game against a highly overrated USC team to finish. <br>
</li>
<li>Kansas State is the next choice, with only two games left and the toughest coming at home. <br>
</li>
<li>Oregon is No. 1 for now because of that virtually unstoppable offense. They have three tough games left in Stanford, at rival Oregon State, and a tricky Pac-12 title game on the road against UCLA or again, overrated USC. <br>
</li>
<li>In terms of the one loss teams I think Alabama is the best. They have a joke of a game, Auburn, and then the difficult SEC title game left. <br>
</li>
<li>I wanted to move Texas A&M much higher, but two losses (Florida and LSU) have already established an order for them. <br>
</li>
<li>Louisiana Tech is a big fan of Wisconsin. If the Badgers win the Big Ten title game and don't finish in the top 16 the Bulldogs have a path to the BCS. Also, they absolutely lit up Texas A&M in their only loss. <br>
</li>
<li>Keep an eye on Northern Illinois and Dave Doeren. As well as La Tech and Sonny Dykes. <br>
</li>
<li> </li>
</ul>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/11/3630588/2012-college-football-blogpoll-week-12-h-r-draft-ballotBoilerTMill2012-11-10T22:41:03-05:002012-11-10T22:41:03-05:00Purdue 27, Iowa 24: The Sweet Taste Of Victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eJNBcFa3Aj6BV4hVFetLa96tLgk=/0x300:2667x2078/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3042123/20121107_kkt_ah7_040.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue is still alive for a bowl game in 2012. </p> <p></p>
<p>It is amazing how much better a victory makes everyone feel. When Purdue was tied 24-24 with facing 4<sup>th</sup> and three the feelings of dread were back. Purdue had never trailed all afternoon. In fact, they had significantly outgained Iowa, but the Hawkeyes were finally driving and had stayed close thanks to two turnovers that basically handed them 14 points. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/47760/james-vandenberg">James Vandenberg</a> found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76581/zach-derby">Zach Derby</a> in the flat, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135178/taylor-richards">Taylor Richards</a> tackled him well short of the first down.</p>
<p>As I tweeted then, Richards had saved the season, for now. In my experience watching Purdue football rarely, if ever, does Purdue make the one defensive play needed late for a stop. I felt sure Iowa would convert, move the ball about 20 more yards, and have <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/122398/mike-meyer">Mike Meyer</a> kick a game-winning field goal as time expired to officially pull the plug on the season.</p>
<p>What followed was so stunning and happened so fast I still don't believe it. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5136/robert-marve">Robert Marve</a> took over with 21 seconds left (thanks to Danny Hope's earlier timeout that nearly backfired) and had a 17 yard run thanks to getting outside the pocket. He then found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77531/antavian-edison">Antavian Edison</a> for 20 more yards and another timeout had us in field goal range. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160170/paul-griggs">Paul Griggs</a> nailed a kick that looked like it was knuckling left, but held on for the win.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://player.foxfdm.com/fox/embed-iframe.html?videourl=http://link.theplatform.com/s/btn/Qf7_QtUm_M07?mbr=true" frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" width="600"></iframe> <br id="1352607903085"></p>
<p>Once again, the season was back alive. It is still not great, but Purdue had a victory and a path to a bowl game. While not the bowl we wanted, I was not going to cheer for Purdue to lose and we might as well try for a bowl (that will be better than last season regardless) while the chance is there. Now we only have to beat a 2-8 Illinois team and an Indiana team that does not have a run defense to still go to the postseason.</p>
<p>It still doesn't likely change the fate of Danny Hope, who is still probably gone after the IU game. It still doesn't change the fate of Gary Nord, who proved today that he is more useless than a Kardashian. When the offense suddenly runs smoothly without as many screen passes and a running game that works while Nord is <i>not</i> there I think we found the weak link. You can't even play the "bad defense" card because Iowa is still 30<sup>th</sup> in the country in points allowed.</p>
<p>No, this one is for the players, as is any bowl game we can still qualify for. We're building for the future, one that most certainly does not include Nord and probably does not include Hope. The players deserve the reward of the postseason and the younger players need the extra practice time a bowl game brings for development. It was the players that went out and won it today. Your highlights:</p>
<p><b>Robert Marve - </b>Marve was masterful today in throwing for 266 yards and two touchdowns. It's amazing what he can do when he has time to throw and when rolls out without someone being in his face. The 17 yard run was incredibly smart because it was there, we had the timeouts available, and he took what we could get without risking a pass. Also, I loved how he read the defense on multiple downs and waited instead of staring receivers down. Just a great game all around from him.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37515/ralph-bolden">Ralph Bolden</a> - </b>When guessing who the first running back to have a 100 yard game for us in conference play would be I did not think it would be Bolden. Today he looked like the Bolden of old and his 56-yard run was part poor tackling and part fantastic balance down the sideline.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://player.foxfdm.com/fox/embed-iframe.html?videourl=http://link.theplatform.com/s/btn/iH7VWL_0bl8k?mbr=true" frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" width="600"></iframe> <br id="1352607951810"></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135184/akeem-shavers">Akeem Shavers</a> - </b>Shavers punished defenders and finished runs. It's amazing what he can do when you give him the ball.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://player.foxfdm.com/fox/embed-iframe.html?videourl=http://link.theplatform.com/s/btn/8KjbVK_U2qnp?mbr=true" frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" width="600"></iframe> <br id="1352608039991"></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77548/crosby-wright">Crosby Wright</a> - </b>It seemed like every catch he had was a big one.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77550/gabe-holmes">Gabe Holmes</a> - </b>Holmes had great concentration on his TD catch. It wasn't pretty, but it counted.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://player.foxfdm.com/fox/embed-iframe.html?videourl=http://link.theplatform.com/s/btn/RMJMBHP2JFGw?mbr=true" frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" width="600"></iframe> <br id="1352607985376"></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114151/landon-feichter">Landon Feichter</a> - </b>Feichter had himself a ballgame today with some hard hits and playing extremely well in run support. If he can bulk up this offseason we're going to have a damn fine safety on our hands. This kid needs a scholarship!</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114136/sean-robinson">Sean Robinson</a> - </b>Robinson had some really good pass breakups and was in the middle of a lot of plays.</p>
<p><b>Josh Johnson - </b>JJ continues to play as one of the best corners in the Big Ten.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37542/kawann-short">Kawann Short</a> - </b>Welcome back, All-American level KK. We've missed you.</p>
<p><b>Jalani Phillips - </b>He had an impressive sack in the second half that stopped a drive.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135191/sam-mccartney">Sam McCartney</a> - </b>He shook off the ugly miss to end the first half and added a career long field goal.</p>
<p><b>Paul Griggs - </b>Finally, I have to credit Griggs, who stood around doing nothing all day only to come on and nail his first career game-winner. At least McCartney had two extra points and two field goal attempts earlier. Was called on at the biggest moment of the game and delivered.</p>
<p>It has been a long season, but we at least still have something to play for as we head into the final two games. Both are trophy games, and keeping both The Cannon and The Bucket safe at home in the Mollenkopf assures that were headed somewhere for the postseason and the program and players can at least move forward even if the coaches do not. Purdue football can finally be fun again, so let's bring on the Illini.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/10/3629680/purdue-27-iowa-24-the-sweet-taste-of-victoryBoilerTMill2012-11-10T15:35:28-05:002012-11-10T15:35:28-05:00Purdue 27, Iowa 24: HOLY SHIT THE BOILERS WIN
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F_hVEZrNsGki9KH7HS9D6PLCsek=/0x460:2667x2238/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3024265/20121107_kkt_ah7_049.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Paul Griggs nails the game-winner as time expires to break a five game losing streak.</p> <p>Break out the celebration beer! Prepare the finest meats and cheeses throughout the land! Dance the dance of our people! Celebrate! Yes, celebrate that Purdue has finally given us some joy on the football field!</p>
<p>Consider this the place to stash your gifs and images of joyous celebration Purdue finally wins a damn football game again. Bonus that we threw the Iowa City monkey off our backs!</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5136/robert-marve">Robert Marve</a>, way to be anti-Nordfense all day!</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77531/antavian-edison">Antavian Edison</a>, way to get open and catch that 20-yard pass to set up the field goal.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160170/paul-griggs">Paul Griggs</a>, congrats on your first ever game-winning field goal!</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37515/ralph-bolden">Ralph Bolden</a>, congrats on being our first 100-yard rusher in a game this season!</p>
<p>Gary Nord, get well soon, but don't come back to the stadium, please!</p>
<p>For me, I am going to go unwind a bit and see Skyfall with some friends. The post-game wrap will be up later on tonight.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/10/3628212/purdue-27-iowa-24-holy-shit-the-boielrs-win-postgame-celebrationBoilerTMill2012-11-10T10:42:25-05:002012-11-10T10:42:25-05:00Purdue At Iowa GameThread: WE HATE IOWA!!!!!!!!!!!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vk9z8KX7HMPkZwlJlND6RXaInwQ=/14x0:529x343/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3006947/badassery.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The Boilermakers try to save their fleeting bowl hopes in Iowa City.</p> <p>We just need some good news at this point.</p>
<p>Yes, the football team is likely not going to a bowl, but after five straight losses and a frustrating lost to a very good Bucknell team last night it has been over a month since we've been able to celebrate a win in either sport. I am not asking for a bowl-qualifying run at this point. I am just asking for one damn day where I can actually feel good about being a Purdue sports fan.</p>
<p>We're the ones that spend money on tickets and spend Saturday afternoons watching this team on TV. I just want one damn win.</p>
<p>Of course, it is coming against Our Most Hated Rival today. The Trophy of Badassery is at stake for the second year in a row. Let's bring it home and assure that the tickets I have for the next two games at least have something more to play for.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/10/3627080/purdue-at-iowa-gamethread-we-hate-iowaBoilerTMill2012-11-09T14:35:35-05:002012-11-09T14:35:35-05:002012 Big Ten Football: Week 11 Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Lp-ZkPFAqwAhlaau9Kpqq-lYoHY=/0x240:2667x2018/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2960345/20121107_kkt_ah7_048.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking a look at this week's Big Ten slate. </p> <p></p>
<p>Well now, we've had quite the interesting afternoon in terms of news here at the site. The impending firing of Danny Hope appears to be irreversible at this point, especially if it has already leaked to the mainstream media. I am not really sure what it means going forward.</p>
<p>I do know that hope will coach tomorrow's game against Iowa. As for after that, who knows. It may depend on tomorrow's result. If the Boilers lose tomorrow it would not surprise me if a move is made for the final two games which are trophy games against Illinois and Indiana. If Purdue beats Iowa things might stay put, at least for another week.</p>
<p>If I had to guess I would say that Hope finishes the season win or lose tomorrow. If Purdue does win its last three and reaches a bowl game I would say that an interim coach coaches said bowl game before the new hire comes along.</p>
<p>I do like the choice of Northern Illinois' Dave Doeren, who will be on ESPN2 next Wednesday night. His first-year starter at quarterback, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116594/jordan-lynch">Jordan Lynch</a>, is a junior with 2,175 yards passing and 19 TDs against only three interceptions. He has also run for 1,342 yards and 16 more scores. How good would <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77526/rob-henry">Rob Henry</a>, as a senior next season, look running a similar offense? let's make this happen, because the talent is there to be successful on both side of the ball with Doeren. If not, he'll smoke us when the Huskies come to Ross-Ade next season.</p>
<p>But enough about that speculation for now. Let's get on with this weekend's games in the conference.</p>
<p><b>Wisconsin</b><b> (6-3, 3-2) at </b><b>Indiana</b><b> (4-5, 2-3) </b><b>Noon</b><b>, ESPN2</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/week-11-wisconsin-badgers-indiana-hoosiers">Bucky's 5<sup>th</sup> Quarter Preview</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2012/11/9/3620084/indiana-hoosiers-v-wisconsin-badgers-preview">Crimson Quarry Preview</a></b></p>
<p>This is easily the biggest game in Indiana Football history since November 1993, when a 7-1 Indiana team lost at Penn State 38-31. The Hoosiers control their own destiny for Pasadena and a win over the Badgers might be enough to get them there even with a loss at Penn State next week. Indiana would own the tiebreaker over Wisconsin and a 4-4 finish with a win at Purdue would possibly tie them with Wisconsin since the Badgers still must play Ohio State and Penn State.</p>
<p>On the other side, a win for Wisconsin seals up a trip to Indianapolis that should have already been locked up. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38635/curt-phillips">Curt Phillips</a> will start for Wisconsin, while the rotation at quarterback for Indiana has been strangely effective. Even more strange, the Hoosiers have been toying with actually playing defense in recent weeks.</p>
<p>It has been 19 years since Indiana has won three conference games in a row. They will come close to pulling off the upset, but not quite close enough as Wisconsin will still have a strong ground game that will grind out yards. <b>Wisconsin</b><b> 31, </b><b>Indiana</b><b> 27</b></p>
<p><b>Northwestern (7-2, 3-2) at </b><b>Michigan</b><b> (6-3, 4-1) </b><b>Noon</b><b>, ESPN</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sippinonpurple.com/northwestern-wildcats-football/2012/11/9/3622848/northwestern-vs-michigan-football-prediction-preview-game">Sippin' On Purple Preview</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2012/11/9/3616084/michigan-northwestern-preview">Maize N' Brew Preview</a></b></p>
<p>Oh Northwestern, if only you had not blown those games at Penn State and at home against Nebraska. The Wildcats are still in the race for the Legends Division title, but those hopes end this week if they can't upset the Wolverines in Ann Arbor. It's crazy to think that Northwestern is a handful of plays from being 9-0 and probably ranked in the top 10 nationally.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113843/devin-gardner">Devin Gardner</a> played very well for Michigan last week at Minnesota, so regardless of if <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76856/denard-robinson">Denard Robinson</a> returns or not the Wolverines should be okay on offense. The defense also looked good against a team that was hot before meeting them in Minneapolis. They'll have to defend the run and the all-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter">Kain Colter</a> all the time offense. <b>Michigan</b><b> 27, Northwestern 24</b></p>
<p><b>Purdue (3-6, 0-5) at </b><b>Iowa</b><b> (4-5, 2-3) </b><b>Noon</b><b>, Big Ten Network</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/football/2012/11/9/3623630/four-factor-friday-purdue">Black Heart Gold Pants Preview</a></b></p>
<p>I wish I could say I felt better about this game. I really do. Iowa's offense is almost as putrid as our own if not worse. Unfortunately they at least have the benefit of a pretty good defense to help them out. Our own holds well for a bit, but with constant three-and-outs from the Nordfense keeping them on the field they wear down like in the Michigan and Penn State games.</p>
<p>I think we should be prepared for some ugly, ugly football. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5136/robert-marve">Robert Marve</a> has outplayed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/47760/james-vandenberg">James Vandenberg</a> and has more TD passes in less than half the playing time. Their running game is better with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/141955/damon-bullock">Damon Bullock</a>, but he is their lone option. I know I am just trying to talk myself into a Purdue win here only to be disappointed.</p>
<p>The players are more than capable of winning this game because the Hawkeyes are a bad team that is getting worse. Unfortunately, Purdue is a very poorly coached team that is also getting worse. I give Iowa the edge because of its defense and I hope I am wrong. I want to see at least one more win this season. <b>Iowa</b><b> 17, Purdue 10</b></p>
<p><b>Penn</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b> (6-3, 4-1) at </b><b>Nebraska</b><b> (7-2, 4-1) </b><b>3:30pm</b><b>, ABC/ESPN2</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.cornnation.com/2012/11/8/3619770/nebraska-husker-football-penn-state-play-spoiler-podcast">Corn Nation Preview</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2012/11/9/3622138/preview-penn-state-nittany-lions-6-3-vs-nebraska-cornhuskers-7-2">Black Shoe Diaries Preview</a></b></p>
<p>In any other year this would be a nice possible preview of the Big Ten championship game. Now it is a land mine that Nebraska must avoid before playing two much easier games to reach the Big Ten title game. The Cornhuskers are in the driver's seat in the Legends Division with the tiebreaker over Michigan in their back pocket. A loss combined with Northwestern beating Michigan throws that division into three-way tie chaos.</p>
<p>Penn State did look really good at Purdue. The Nittany Lions were incredibly stout defensively, but I doubt Nebraska is dumb enough to run the same plays at them over and over again is they are stopped. In a close game like this I often lean towards the home team. Nebraska won last year in Happy Valley the week after everything went to hell with the football program, and I think they repeat it this week. <b>Nebraska</b><b> 27, Penn State 21</b></p>
<p><b>Minnesota</b><b> (5-4, 1-4) at </b><b>Illinois</b><b> (2-7, 0-5) </b><b>3:30pm</b><b>, Big Ten Network</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2012/11/7/3615488/minnesota-gopher-footballs-post-season-hopes-will-be-decided-against">The Daily Gopher Preview</a></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2012/11/9/3619414/these-four-things-illinois-vs-minnesota">The Champaign Room Preview</a></b></p>
<p>The Fighting Illini are the first Big Ten team that is officially paying out the string and waiting for next season. Next week's game against Purdue could be a cripplefight between 0-6 teams, but this week they get a Minnesota team looking for one more victory in order to reach bowl eligibility.</p>
<p>That eligibility would be huge in Jerry Kill's second year, especially since they will likely get a decent bowl even at 6-6 because of the dearth of eligible teams. The Golden Gophers gave Michigan a good game for a half last week and if they take care of business this week it won't exactly be automatic for Nebraska or Michigan State to beat them.</p>
<p>Illinois simply looks done, and that will help Minnesota this week and hopefully Purdue next week. <b>Minnesota</b><b> 37, </b><b>Illinois</b><b> 20</b></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/9/3623826/2012-big-ten-football-week-11-previewBoilerTMill