Big Ten Flexes Its Muscle

The Big 10 has been a football conference that has endured a lot if criticism in recent years for playing poorly in Bowl Games and against highly ranked opponents. The critics have not exactly been wrong. After all there was those difficult to watch defeats in the B.C.S. Championship Games, and last years 1-6 showing in Bowl Games by the Big Ten collectively. The Big 10 has been forced to take a back seat to such conferences as the SEC, PAC 10, ACC, and others. As much as I'm a Buckeye fan and Big 10 backer it was hard to refute the critics. It was coaching legend Bill Parcells who said it best, "you are what your record says you are". The record this year ,however, says something a little different. The Big 10 went a collective 4-3 in Bowls this year. I know what your thinking, that's good , but not spectacular. A closer look reveals something about those 4 wins, they were all over top 15 teams. They defeated 2 top 10 teams by knocking off both the PAC-10 and ACC champs when Ohio State soundly defeated #7 Oregon and Iowa punched #9 Georgia Tech in the mouth. Let's not forget Penn State's victory over #13 LSU, which was LSU's first loss in the post season under Les Miles. Wisconsin also racked up a win against a resurgent Miami Hurricane program that was ranked 15th. They did it the Big 10 way with physical play and stingy, hard hitting defense. It is a style of play that has not faired well in the last few years against speedy, high powered offenses, but maybe the tide is turning. Miami, LSU, Oregon and Georgia Tech combined for only 62 points in 4 games . Not bad considering Miami, Oregon and Georgia Tech all averaged more than 30 points per game, and LSU averaged 25. While the Big 10 still has a way to go to get itself completely out of the dog house the recent Bowl season was a step in the right direction. With victories over the PAC 10, SEC, and ACC and a 4-0 record against ranked opponents the Big-10 can finally enjoy the post season. Remember, "you are what your record says you are."