The Big Ten added some fantastic rivalries when they added Nebraska to the conference. PSU already has a history with Nebraska (1994 anyone?), Wisconsin seems like a northern clone of Nebraska, and Ohio State and Michigan will create legendary games every time they clash with the Cornhuskers. But waiting for Nebraska on their border is perhaps the best rivalry of all—Iowa. And why not start off the rivalry with a neck-and-neck finish to the season where Nebraska and Iowa end up tied for second in the Legends division?
Iowa
Ferentz has become predictable at Iowa. Expect big things from his teams, and they’ll flop. Expect mediocrity, they’ll excel. Last season saw Iowa start out with one of its highest pre-season rankings ever. They characteristically went out and underachieved (losses of 7, 1, 4, 3, and 3 points), dropping their final three of the regular season. This season—replacing over half of their starters on both sides of the ball including a multi-year starting QB—logic would say .500; Ferentz will probably dial up a Rose Bowl. I think they blow an early OOC game (either at rival ISU or vs. Pittsburgh). Then, after a bye, they have to travel to Penn State, a team that Ferentz owns. I think this game goes something like 2007, where PSU has too much talent to allow coaching to matter. From there, I see them splitting their next six to head into the finale against Nebraska at 6-5. In typical unpredictable fashion, Iowa will slip past the Huskers on Black Friday and then lose to Heisman Trophy winner Andrew Luck and Stanford in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. 2011 Results: 7-6 overall, 4-4 Big Ten (3-2 in Legends).
Nebraska
Last year, Iowa was the hyped Big Ten team that I doubted. This year, it’s Nebraska. I know everyone thinks Nebraska is “back” to dominance. But why? They’ve had solid defenses but nothing impenetrable (41 points to Oklahoma St., 30 to Iowa St., 19 and 21 to Worstington). They’ve had flashy offenses at times, but I’m not sure Pelini has established an identity yet. Martinez can run, but this isn’t the old option/wishbone Nebraska attack. They fell shy of 200 total yards against 6-6 Washington and barely got there (202) against 5-7 Texas in Lincoln. This team is a shaky bet for a top 10 finish and the leader of the Legends. I think they stub their toe in Madison at night but recover at home against a messy Ohio State club to start the year 5-1. Minnesota should be no problem, but I think they’ll be shocked by Michigan St.’s solid fundamentals. Another Memorial Stadium sellout will watch them beat Northwestern, but they’ll lose on the road to PSU. A gritty win over a depleted Wolverine team in the Big House before losing a shocking finale to Iowa, Nebraska will draw a solid SEC foe in a Florida bowl and come away victorious. 2011 Results: 9-4 overall, 4-4 Big Ten (3-2 in Legends).
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