By Michael SchlossbergThe Daily Northwestern
Just in case there wasn’t enough hype already surrounding the Nov. 18 showdown between rivals Michigan and Ohio State, the latest polls just created plenty more.
The top two teams in the Big Ten are now the top two teams in the country. Following a 17-10 victory at Penn State, Michigan jumped over USC and Florida into the second spot in the AP Poll and now sits directly behind No. 1 Ohio State.
The Big Ten becomes the first conference in six years to have the two top-ranked teams, with the Big 12 duo of Nebraska and Kansas State being the last teams to do it in October 2000. The last time the Big Ten accomplished the feat was in 1985.
While the Wolverines now own their highest ranking since 1997, Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said his team does not give the rankings much attention.
“As a football team we’re happy, obviously, with the fact that we are where we are as far as a record,” Carr said. “But it really does not have any significance now. There should be something in there that’s a motivating factor because we don’t live in a vacuum.”
In the first edition of the BCS poll released Monday, Ohio State was ranked first, while Michigan was in the third spot behind USC, meaning the Wolverines and Buckeyes could potentially be playing for a ticket to the national championship when they square off next month.
LIFE IS GOOD
Having dealt with its fair share of adversity earlier this season, Indiana is now enjoying the chance to experience success, winning back-to-back Big Ten games for the first time since 2001.
Following a huge comeback victory against Illinois, Indiana upset No. 15 Iowa to record its biggest win in nearly two decades.
“It’s been a very satisfying couple of weeks,” coach Terry Hoeppner said. “The win had such a dramatic effect because it’s been a while since our last big victory. In the big picture for the program, everything right now is positive.”
After already dealing with the unexpected emergency of Hoeppner’s brain surgery, losing to a Division I-AA team at home, and losing its best player to a suspension earlier this season, Indiana looked like a team in a state of disarray.
Trailing Illinois 25-7 in just the first half two weeks ago, it looked like more of the same for the Hoosiers. However, Indiana rallied to win that game, setting up the Iowa upset one week later.
“They’ve played with great confidence recently,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “They played a heck of a football game against us.”
Coaches React to brawl
In the aftermath of an ugly brawl between Miami and Florida International that resulted in the ejection of 13 players and the suspension of 31, the Big Ten coaches chimed in with their opinions during Tuesday’s teleconference.
There have been a few instances of fighting in the Big Ten this season, most notably between Michigan State and Illinois, but none have come close to the level of Saturday’s fight.
“You hope kids will go out and play football and have a little respect for each other,” Penn State coach Joe Paterno said. “If you go out there and taunt, what’s the purpose? When an opponent plays hard and plays tough, you shouldn’t resent it. Whatever happened to start the fight, it certainly doesn’t belong in college football. It’s a shame.”
In response to the incident, every Big Ten coach addressed their teams about handling emotions and demonstrating sportsmanship.
A total of 13 Miami players have been suspended, while 16 Florida International players have been suspended indefinitely and two have been kicked off the team.
“I admire the initiative they’ve taken with their suspensions,” Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. “Things like this reflect poorly on sports in general. There’s no place for this in college football or anywhere else.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reach Michael Schlossberg at [email protected].
