Middle of the Pack

As Expected, Bucky's class of 16 football recruits ranked in the middle of the BT pack. Teddy Greenstein of the CT ranked the league as follows:
1. Michigan
2. OSU
3. Illinois
4. Penn St.
5. Iowa
6. Bucky
7. Goofers
8. Sparty
9. NW
10. Purdue
11. Indiana

None the BT teams ranked in the top-ten nationally in a list compiled by Tom Lemming, rivals.com, ESPN.com, and scout.com.
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. USC
4. Tennessee
5. LSU
6. South Carolina
7. Aubrun
8. Goergia
9. Notre Dame
10. Nebraska

Greenstein also reacted to yesterday's NY Times column, associating many of the whispers about UI's recruiting improprieties with another midwestern school, namely Notre Dame. Smarmy over losing a couple of top recruits during the final hour, the Domers spewed sour grapes despite a #9 ranking nationally. Q: "How could lowly Illinois beat out the famed Irish for top recruits?" A: "Have you ever been to South Bend? Moreover, have you come to the realization that ND is now a second-rate program?"

This episode is typical of the arrogance of Notre Dame coaches, players, fans and alumns. Poor Charlie Weis wants the recruiting process itself to change. Sounds like he's been blown off on a date more than once...

National Signing Day

It appears are if Coach Bielema will introduce a fairly impressive class of recruits today, boasting both geographic diversity and in-state studs. More analysis will follow tomorrow, but expect John Clay and perhaps Zach Brown to push PJ Hill for playing time next season. I wouldn't be surprised if Lance Smith transfers as a result. Nick Toon will also find a way on the field, solidifying the receiver rotation with Hubbard and Swann, not to mention the return of Randel El. Oglesby will probably redshirt, but he has the credentials to fill Joe Thomas' shoes over the course of his UW career.

The Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein talks about how UW, other BT Teams, and the Golden Domers plan to introduce their signings with a special focus on Coach B. His quote about the team's ranking amongst other BT teams is interesting to say the least: "As long as I'm here, we will recruit as hard as any staff in the country," Bielema said. "But we'll probably never be rated in the top three of the Big Ten. I see we're ranked No. 6 this year, and that's fine because I know we won't be there (in the Big Ten regular-season standings) when these kids graduate."

The most startling development is the nationally-heralded group that Ron Zook plans to unveil in Champaign today. The NY Times raised concerns about the tactics used by this BT bottom-dweller. Zook did land 22 of the 24 starters in this year's national championship team, but I'm not convinced he knows X's and O's well enough to compete with the BT bluebloods. Watch out if UI switches in midstream to a coach with Urban Meyer's pedigree.

Bucky Sparkles in Crystal Ball

The Badgers continue to attract prime-time coverage during their record-breaking season. HBO plans to record a "Real Sports" segment focusing on Alando Tucker and Coach Ryan, while ABC's "Free Ticket" will follow the basketball Badgers for a two-week period.

I must say that I'm a little disappointed that UW slipped behind OSU in the polls, but with 7 regular season and 3 potential BT tournament games remaining Bucky has an excellent opportunty to even the score. The road to the BT title likely travels through Columbus, and
seeing that the Buckeyes held serve in East Lansing the Badgers must do the same for a shot at the regular season championship on Feb. 25th in Columbus.

As much as a conference title means to us fans and the team, a top spot in the Dance and a deep run is our ultimate goal. Bucky is still poised to grab a #1 seed, even with a loss in Columbus. This would require them to win the balance of their games and the BT Tournament. A loss in East Lansing and/ or an early exit from Chicago would make a 2 or 3 seed more likely.