Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, December 9, 2015
You have questions? I have answers in my Big Ten Mailbag. Is Michigan State?s offense better than Alabama?s? Did I rank the Iowa-Stanford Rose Bowl matchup too low in my bowl rankings? Will Nebraska whip UCLA in its bowl? I address those topics and others.
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Will Michigan State be better off running screens and draws instead of running into the teeth of Alabama?s defense? – Jeff Spagnuolo
This is a rugged Bama defense, no doubt. In fact, Nick Saban has said it?s the best line since he has been Tide coach. And that?s saying a lot. The stats back it up, as the Crimson Tide ranks No. 1 in the nation vs. the run (74.0 ypg). I?d like to think the Spartan o-line-which may be the best in the Big Ten led by Jack Conklin-can get a push to create some running room for LJ Scott and Co. If not, the Spartans will be in trouble. But, as you note, throwing some screens and running some draws would slow down this fast front that gets up field quickly.
Alabama vs. @MSU_Football, in nifty graphic form. pic.twitter.com/K7VvE7Arsd
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) December 6, 2015
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How can you justify putting the TCU-Oregon Alamo Bowl ahead of the Iowa-Stanford Rose Bowl in your bowl rankings?
I don?t think it?s that crazy of a notion. No. 11 TCU is one of the nation?s top programs and was a playoff contender most of the season, going 10-2 with star QB Trevone Boykin. And No. 15 Oregon came on like gangbusters down the stretch, winning its last six games as QB Vernon Adams got healthy and acclimated. You don't have to be a TCU or Oregon fan to get excited about the prospect of Boykin and Adams taking every snap in what figures to be an exciting high-scoring affair.
A look at @HawkeyeFootball's ? history. pic.twitter.com/BEEh4J6ZRu
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 7, 2015
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We will beat the tar out of UCLA, Homey. – Ralph Juliano III
Nebraska? Will beat the tar out of UCLA? In the Foster Farms Bowl? I?m not so sure about that. This is a solid Bruins squad led by one of the nation?s bright young QBs in Josh Rosen. Yes, UCLA has some issues, losing two of its last three. The defense has been gashed at times in an 8-4 season. This could be a fun game with a lot of points. The Huskers could win. But, if they do, they likely won?t ?beat the tar? out of UCLA.
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Do you think Michigan State?s offense is better than Alabama?s? – Ivan Brawley
First, let?s look at the numbers:
Alabama averages 34.1 points; Michigan State 32.1
Alabama averages 208.2 yards rushing; MSU 160.7
Alabama averages 214.3 yards passing; MSU 236.1
Alabama averages 422.5 yards; MSU 396.8
So, stat-wise, Bama gets the edge. But these are pretty evenly matched attacks. The Tide has a big edge at running back in Derrick Henry; MSU has an edge at quarterback in Connor Cook. This is gonna be a fun chess match to see which attack can impose its will on the other.
A lot of impressive names here, and it's @MSU_Football's foe on top.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 8, 2015
View bowl slate » https://t.co/000fPuNUCc pic.twitter.com/qJhsJMzLGD
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Who do you like in the Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Notre Dame? – Bob Stillings
This will be one of the best non-playoff matches. In fact, both of these teams could make good cases to be in the postseason, which is why I wish we had a six- or eight-team playoff. But, I digress. Ezekiel Elliott will be the X-factor here. He already has said this is his last game as a Buckeye. And, I have a feeling he?s gonna want to make it a special one. He looked pretty awesome the last time we saw him, running 30 times for 214 yards and two TDs in a 42-13 victory at Michigan. Couple that with a strong Ohio State defense, and I think the Buckeyes should walk away with a victory.
Offense = even.
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) December 9, 2015
Defense = Big advantage, @OhioStAthletics. pic.twitter.com/91WLR7oSTT
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Why not expand to an eight-team playoff? – Tony
You read my mind, though I would be happy with a six-team playoff. My six-team plan: Give automatic berths to the champs of the Power Five leagues. And have a committee pick one wild-card, as well as seed the teams 1-6. You could give the top two seeds byes. I think we will get there eventually.
Fun to consider, right?
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 9, 2015
View full bowl slate » https://t.co/000fPuwjdC pic.twitter.com/5kT1HdG93R
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What do you think Penn State will do at offensive coordinator? – Bob
Good question. First, I was bummed to see John Donovan made the scapegoat for the offensive struggles. The problems with the Penn State offense extend well beyond any game plans or play-calling by Donovan. He was just made the fall guy. Until the offensive line improves, the Nittany Lion offense won?t make many strides-despite having some of the most exciting young skill talent in the league in guys like RB Saquon Barkley and WR Chris Godwin. What direction will Franklin go in replacing Donovan? No idea, but he usually works quickly. So, don?t be shocked if you hear an announcement soon.
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What should Purdue do with its coordinator jobs? – Matt
Wow. These are huge hires for Darrell Hazell, who may face a make-or-break season in 2016 after going 6-30 his first three years overall and 2-22 in the Big Ten. The offense never had an identity under John Shoop. Was this a passing team? A running team? Purdue never could hang its hat on anything from week-to-week. And Shoop never developed a quarterback, changing signal-callers midseason each of the last three years. The defense was largely hapless, especially vs. the run. If you can?t stop the run, you have little chance to win. Who can Hazell hire, knowing the school doesn?t give assistants multi-year deals? It will be interesting.