Weekend Wrap Up: Hopes vs Reality edition

Another weekend of Big Ten football games washed away like so many sand castles along the shores of Lake Michigan; and with the midway point of the season upon us, I felt it was an opportune time to discuss and reflect upon the hopes that teams may have had and the realities they are now forced to live with. Onward!

Wisconsin, 5-2

Preseason Hope:



A run at the National Championship game and at worst a "mere" appearance in the Rose Bowl as the Big Ten representative. Wisconsin would live up to its mascot's reputation as a cunning, aggressive and opportunistic omnivore. They would raid the tents of their Big Ten opposition and , indeed, be "scoffin ur foods" and at the same time crushing their opponent's will to live.

Midseason Reality



A mere two weeks ago UW was still undefeated, undeniably a shaky undefeated, but still undefeated. After two straight losses to Illinois and Paterno State and with tilts against Michigan and Ohio State still to come the Badgers need to re-evaluate their space in existence. Instead of manifesting the irascible nature of their mascot's temperament, UW has instead, focused on the cuddly and non-threatening images that are connoted upon merely glancing at the cartoon pirate badger that MS Paint hath wrought.

Prediction "Avast! Set sail for adventure on the placid and middling seas of Tampa for a date in the Outback Bowl. Yarr, and save me a Bloomin' Onion"

Illinois

Preseason Hopes none.

Midseason Reality Bound for a bowl game for the first time in half a decade. They still have to face Michigan and Ohio State, so, think more-Music City than Capital One.

Prediction Zook Fever! Catch It. I'm assuming that Zook is going to be teaming up with Dane Cook for some hott recruiting videos to capture more Rashard Mendenhalls and Juice Williams. Not sure if Illinios' immediate future is quite at Timbuk 3 levels yet, but it's looking better and better.

Ohio State

Preseason Hope Big Ten title, Rose Bowl berth, Silencin' the haters after their abysmal showing against Florida last January.

Midseason Reality Shockingly, Ohio State is number one in the first BCS rankings and haven't played a single quality opponent. Big Ten title and National Title berth are completely within Tressel's grasp. Will have to beat Penn State, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan and of those four only the Wolverines are sizing up as a "threat."


"I ain't a mad rapper, I'm just an emcee wit' a temper."


Prediction Inevitably, tOSU will lose at least one game and probably go to the Rose Bowl as the Big Ten Champ. Could slip to a BCS at-large team, but I don't really see them not going to the Rose, unless disaster strikes.

Minnesota ...not going there.

More to come later...