Biggest Big Ten test in Big Ten opener?

[Born Boiler]

Michigan was the top pick in the Big Ten … before gagging at home … then getting blown out ... twice … all by unranked opponents … almost as embarrassing as having its own coach yell at a conference colleague “I’ll f---ing kill you.”

Illinois and Ohio State were supposed to loom large, too, but each got a couple of toes stubbed and fell out of the rankings. Michigan State and Wisconsin also took hits.

While most Big Ten teams showed holes, three managed to avoid a pre-conference lapse -- three unbeatens -- although one of those played an iu-like total cupcake schedule. Mini soda.

Thus, Purdue (7-0) and Iowa (7-0), the nation’s two top-scoring teams, fresh off impressive wins in the ACC Challenge, stand as the best of the Big Ten as it tips off, and they’ll meet to open league play.

Although they’ll be limited to the obscurity of BTN -- thanks to the foresighted x-spurts who picked Illinois (5-2) and Rutgers (4-3) to play on ESPN2 -- Friday’s opener poses the biggest test Purdue could have in the conference, as it stands right now.

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

It's a huge game. These are the rare opportunity games where the stars align that put a program on the map. Beating an undefeated opponent. Starting conference play at home on Friday night in an absolutely raucous arena. #1 in the country on the line. Recruits in the building. This is why you come to Purdue. A game you show up and show out if you want to be considered elite. I can't wait!

 

[ChoiceBeef]

Don't write off OSU just yet - they couldn't hit a free throw and were missing Justice Sueing and Seth Towns who should be back soon. I could see that being a tough game on the road.

 

[KentuckyBoiler]

Michigan was the top pick in the Big Ten … before gagging at home … then getting blown out ... twice … all by unranked opponents … almost as embarrassing as having its own coach yell at a conference colleague “I’ll f---ing kill you.”

Illinois and Ohio State were supposed to loom large, too, but each got a couple of toes stubbed and fell out of the rankings. Michigan State and Wisconsin also took hits.

While most Big Ten teams showed holes, three managed to avoid a pre-conference lapse -- three unbeatens -- although one of those played an iu-like total cupcake schedule. Mini soda.

Thus, Purdue (7-0) and Iowa (7-0), the nation’s two top-scoring teams, fresh off impressive wins in the ACC Challenge, stand as the best of the Big Ten as it tips off, and they’ll meet to open league play.

Although they’ll be limited to the obscurity of BTN -- thanks to the foresighted x-spurts who picked Illinois (5-2) and Rutgers (4-3) to play on ESPN2 -- Friday’s opener poses the biggest test Purdue could have in the conference, as it stands right now.

We start BT play against our most hated rival (IU is still the most hated rival in my heart though).

 

[BoilerAndy]

If either team has a let-down after their big win, it will be a long night for them. If both come in ready to play, it could be a nail-biter.

 

[Gemini95]

Good guys 100, hawk guys 84

 

[boilernuke]

Michigan was the top pick in the Big Ten … before gagging at home … then getting blown out ... twice … all by unranked opponents … almost as embarrassing as having its own coach yell at a conference colleague “I’ll f---ing kill you.”

Illinois and Ohio State were supposed to loom large, too, but each got a couple of toes stubbed and fell out of the rankings. Michigan State and Wisconsin also took hits.

While most Big Ten teams showed holes, three managed to avoid a pre-conference lapse -- three unbeatens -- although one of those played an iu-like total cupcake schedule. Mini soda.

Thus, Purdue (7-0) and Iowa (7-0), the nation’s two top-scoring teams, fresh off impressive wins in the ACC Challenge, stand as the best of the Big Ten as it tips off, and they’ll meet to open league play.

Although they’ll be limited to the obscurity of BTN -- thanks to the foresighted x-spurts who picked Illinois (5-2) and Rutgers (4-3) to play on ESPN2 -- Friday’s opener poses the biggest test Purdue could have in the conference, as it stands right now.

Your first paragraph got me laughing, thx for that.

I'm not a Howard fan, loved Belein. I haven't watched Howard much, but I've noticed when a time out is called and mich is down, he is often laughing or looking around, or just not looking professional before he talks with his team.. Painter on the other hand immediately grabs a clip board and gets right into talking with his players in a genuine fashion. Am I making too much of something not there with too small of a sample size?

 

[Bethboilerfan]

Your first paragraph got me laughing, thx for that.

I'm not a Howard fan, loved Belein. I haven't watched Howard much, but I've noticed when a time out is called and mich is down, he is often laughing or looking around, or just not looking professional before he talks with his team.. Painter on the other hand immediately grabs a clip board and gets right into talking with his players in a genuine fashion. Am I making too much of something not there with too small of a sample size?

No. I saw the same thing

 

[indyogb]

Good guys 100, hawk guys 84

I certainly hope so. I won't allow myself to believe the #1 ranking is ours until it is and Iowa is what stands in the way. I hope we don't get Virginia'd on this one. 🥵

 

[Spinn]

Iowa definitely has a high powered offense, but they really haven’t played anyone. Virginia is their best win, and Virginia isn’t a typical Virginia team. As of now Virginia doesn’t look like a NCAA tourney team. I am not saying this game will be a cake walk, but really this is Iowa’s first test.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

Iowa definitely has a high powered offense, but they really haven’t played anyone. Virginia is their best win, and Virginia isn’t a typical Virginia team. As of now Virginia doesn’t look like a NCAA tourney team. I am not saying this game will be a cake walk, but really this is Iowa’s first test.

Comforting! And it is at Mackey.

 

[lovelyblonde]

Don't write off OSU just yet - they couldn't hit a free throw and were missing Justice Sueing and Seth Towns who should be back soon. I could see that being a tough game on the road.

I get it with players out, but when I hear " they were missing free throws" that can be a difference maker along with missing rebounds, shots etc. That what wins or loses a game. Ultimately why games are played.