Unit Rankings
Penn State tops offensive backfield rankings
Penn State tops offensive backfield rankings
The dog days of summer are settling in. That means two things: The Cubs? season is officially over, and it?s time to look at the Big Ten units. I?ll begin with a look at the offensive backfields. And, as you?ll see, there is a lot of talent at running back-as well as some top-flight quarterbacks. […]
Dienhart: Big Ten backup QB rankings
Dienhart: Big Ten backup QB rankings
Often, the most popular player on campus is the backup quarterback. The guy holding the clipboard and wearing a baseball cap typically is perceived as being the answer to every struggling offense. On that note, here?s my ranking of the Big Ten backup quarterback situations. 1. Northwestern. Actually, the Wildcats have two starters: senior Kain […]
Dienhart: It's time to rank Big Ten secondaries
Dienhart: It's time to rank Big Ten secondaries
There are some nice defensive backfields in the Big Ten. And none is better than Ohio State?s. In fact, the Buckeyes may have the top secondary in the nation, which is one of many reasons why Ohio State is a legit national title contender. Here?s my ranking of the Big Ten defensive backfields. 1. Ohio […]
Dienhart: How do Big Ten LB units stack up?
Dienhart: How do Big Ten LB units stack up?
The last two seasons, no Big Ten defense has played as well as Michigan State?s. A big reason for that has been the play of the linebackers. And that unit should continue to excel and be the bellwether of the conference?s linebacking corps in 2013. Here is my ranking of the Big Ten linebacking units. […]
Dienhart: Here's how I rank Big Ten defensive lines
Dienhart: Here's how I rank Big Ten defensive lines
The biggest difference between the SEC and Big Ten isn?t speed at the skill-positions on offense. Nope. It?s on defense-along the line, in particular. The Big Ten has some big fellas who can make plays and get up the field-just not the depth and breadth of the SEC. But, the situation is improving. Here is […]
Dienhart: Let's rank Big Ten offensive lines
Dienhart: Let's rank Big Ten offensive lines
It all begins up front. Ask any coach. Without good blockers, skill talent is diminished-and offenses flounder. The Big Ten has some potentially strong blocking units, which has hopes high in several precincts. Here?s my ranking of the Big Ten offensive lines, starting with two of the conference's biggest powerhouse programs. 1. Ohio State. Line […]
