 What's worse...the logo or the divisional names? (H/T Sportscenter.com) The Big Ten finally released the new logo and divisional names for the conference. The logo, designed by Pentagram, leaves a little to be desired. I guess the big appeal with this design is that it has some flexibility and the "Big" can be read as "B10." As many have pointed out on Twitter though, it looks more like "B16." On top of that, this is something I could have designed with my limited Adobe skills, so I am not impressed. Compared to the new Pac-10/Pac-12 logo, this logo makes the conference look pretty lame. As for the divisional names, the conference chose "Leaders" and "Legends." Here was Jim Delany's comment on why the conference selected this to represent the divisions: “‘Legends’ is a nod to our history and to the people associated with our schools who are widely recognized as legends - student-athletes, coaches, alumni and faculty. ‘Leaders’ looks to the future as we remain committed to fostering leaders, the student-athletes who are encouraged to lead in their own way for the rest of their lives, in their families, in their communities and in their chosen professions,” said Delany. “We’re proud of our many legends and even prouder of our member institutions that develop future leaders every day.” This whole idea is very cheesy and trying way too hard if you ask me. I don't understand why they couldn't have stuck to geography terms or something very simple. This is obviously the product of a bunch of sixty-year olds sitting around trying to be creative. They outthought themselves, though, and missed the mark badly. Delany also announced that the conference will now have 18 new trophies to award at the end of each season. They decided to continue the "leaders" and "legends" theme, naming the trophies after some of the most prominent figures from the past. In fact, each trophy has two names of those being honored that are separated by a hyphen. For instance the championship game trophy is named the Stagg-Paterno Trophy and the championship game MVP will be awarded the Grange-Griffin Trophy. Overall, I like how they have honored the past, even though they were very politically correct in what figures they used. You can check out all the trophies here. 8 Comments Hot or Not: Big Ten Glamour Rankings 09/21/2010
 There is nothing glamorous about this hard-hitting, head-hunting Buckeye D Dave and Drew Thurman (7:55 am)
Three weeks into the 2010 season it's time to take a look at the eleven teams in the Big Ten and rank them according to their play thus far. We call it the 'glamour" rankings because until Big Ten season starts it is more about catching the eye of fans and voters across the country than anything else. The real season begins a week from this Saturday! Anyway, here we go... 11. Minnesota - If you lose at home to South Dakota, you deserve to be in the basement. They did rebound and play a decent game against USC, but moral victories don't really matter on a list like this. They have given up 90 points through three games, the most points in the conference, and are also towards the bottom in points scored. Things are a mess in Minneapolis. 10. Purdue - Marve has been anything but marvelous. Not only that, but Keith Smith is done for the season, which is a killer since he caught 91 passes for them last year. Both have helped to contribute to the Big Ten's most inept offense thus far. Regardless of their record in the non-conference, things will probably get very ugly for the Boilermakers when they hit the Big Ten. 9. Indiana - It's hard to get much of a read on Indiana since they have played a schedule that would hardly challenge a WAC school. They may be 2-0, but their opponents have been Towson and Western Kentucky, who was 0-12 last year by the way. It's not exactly like the Hoosiers overwhelmed the Hilltoppers either. Until they do something against a decent opponent they will remain towards the bottom. Their upcoming schedule includes Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State, and we aren't holding our breath. 8. Illinois - Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has shown some major potential and Mikel Leshoure has become a solid back, but they have only been able to beat the directional schools thus far (Southern and Northern Illinois). Yes, they lost to Missouri again. Their next game is against the Buckeyes, and then we will know much more about them. 7. Penn State - Let the griping begin. Fans in Happy Valley think this is a top twenty team, but their offense has been anemic so far. Evan Royster has been the single biggest disappointment of any player in the Big Ten, and true freshamn quarterback Robert Bolden is still learning the ropes. While the defense has held its own and will keep this team in a lot of games this season, this squad has not passed the looks test. We predict three more losses this season. No Longer the "Weak 11" 01/06/2010
 You have to love graphics like this on ESPN (Photo via Sportscenter.com) Not only was the 09-10 bowl season a story of redemption for the Buckeyes, but one for the entire Big Ten. The conference posted its first winning record since 2002, going 4-3 overall. Even more impressive was the four victories over top fifteen teams, two of which were BCS bowls. Let us not forget, the Big Ten had dropped six straight BCS bowls. No one expected a thing from the conference this year, many projecting one win, so hopefully this proves to everyone that the Big Ten has rebounded. I think it is time for some "Big Ten" chants! Turner Out Eight Weeks After Fall 12/05/2009
"Ohio State junior guard Evan Turner has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture on the second and third lumbar vertebra of his spine. He is expected to miss the next eight weeks, Vince O'Brien, athletic trainer for the Buckeyes' men's basketball team, said." Source: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/mbasketball/story.asp?list_id=47&story_id=3377989 Know the Opposition: Penn State 11/06/2009
 Dave and Drew Thurman (12:40 pm) Mascot: Nittany Lions Stadium: Beaver Stadium (107,282) Head Coach: Joe Paterno (44th year at PSU, 391-128-3; vs OSU 8-12) 2008 Record: 11-2 (Lost to USC in Rose Bowl 38-24) 2009 Record: 8-1 Base Offense: Ace (3 Wide Receivers) Base Defense: 4-3 Letterman: Returning - 37; Lost - 20 Returning Starters: Offense - 5, Defense - 4, Specialists - 1 Returning Stars: QB Daryll Clark; RB Evan Royster; LB Sean Lee Notable Alumni: -Lisa Salters, ESPN reporter -Adam McKay, Screenwriter and director of Anchorman and Talladega Nights -Herman Fisher, Co-founder of Fisher-Price toy company -John Cappalletti, Heisman Trophy winning RB -Mike Scioscia, MLB catcher and manager -Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame running back -Joseph Heller, Author of Catch-22 Cheerleading Scouting Report:  Penn State Overview:
Saturday's game between the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes was hyped as the game that would decide the Big Ten Champion before the season started. While this game will not necessarily decide that because Iowa is in the mix, it still has massive Big Ten implications. One would expect that this game is going to feature two of the nation's top defenses, and should be low scoring in nature. With that said, both teams do have talent on the offensive side of the ball, especially Penn State, who is very underrated as an offensive unit. They have played a pretty easy schedule thus far, but are still averaging 429 yards a game and 30 points a game. So yes, Penn State can put up points! Know The Opposition: Purdue 10/16/2009
 Dave and Drew Thurman (9:40 AM)
Mascot: Boilermakers Stadium: Ross-Ade Stadium (62,500) Coach: Danny Hope (first year at Purdue, 1-5) 2008 record: 4-8 Base Offense: Ace (3 wide recivers) Base Defense: 4-3 Lettermen: Returning - 49; Lost 19 Returning Starters: Offense - 5; Defense - 7; Specialists - 2 Returning Stars: WR Keith Smith; DE Ryan Kerrigan Notable Alumni: Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon Charles Ellis, designer of the Golden Gate Bridge Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints John Wooden, Basketball Hall of Famer as player and coach Bob Griese, Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback; sportscaster Orville Redenbacher, entrepreneur of popcorn fame Jim Gaffigan, comedian and actor Week 7: Big Ten Matchups to Watch 10/15/2009
 Drew Thurman (3:32 pm)
Week seven produces some interesting matchups in the Big Ten, and fans will start to see to where the Big Ten stands. There are several teams fighting for tops in the conference, while several others are trying to shake things up. Let's look at all the games... Minnesota (4-2, 2-1) at No 14. Penn State (5-1, 1-1) Penn State will be very interesting to watch in the coming weeks. In their only true test of the year against Iowa, they looked very mediocre, and will have to rebuild their image the rest of the season. Last week against Eastern Illinois though, they finally started to look like the Nittany Lions everyone expected in a 52-3 beatdown. All that to say, Saturday's matchup against the Golden Gophers is one to check out. I highly doubt anyone will give Brewster's squad much of a chance on the road, but any given afternoon in the Big Ten could produce an upset. On top of that, Penn State needs to prove once again that they are the conference's elite. No. 11 Iowa (6-0, 2-0) at Wisconsin (5-1, 2-1): This very well may be the biggest matchup to watch on Saturday. Iowa is coming off two close encounters to Arkansas State and Michigan, and will try to keep their mojo working against the Badgers. Wisconsin themselves are an interesting story after losing a game they dominated statistically. So the question is, will we see an angry Badger squad coming off the loss to Ohio State or one that throws in the towel? My guess is that the Badgers come to play at home, and we all know they can hang with anyone physically. So, expect Iowa to have their hands full in Camp Randall Stadium. This is their last true test before coming to Columbus on November 14th, and all eyes will be watching to find out if Iowa can yet again prove they are a contender. Week 5: Big Ten Pretenders and Contenders 09/30/2009
 Drew Thurman (3:27 pm)
Week five produces some interesting matchups in the Big Ten, and fans will start to get an idea of who the real contenders are. Iowa left their mark a week ago with the win against Penn State, and this week several teams could join the discussion of the Big Ten elite. Let's look at all the games... Wisconsin (4-0) at Minnesota (3-1): The Badgers will try to defend Paul Bunyan's Axe after beating the Gophers 35-32 last season. This time around they head into TCF Bank Stadium, and you better believe Minnesota wants revenge. Both of these teams still need to prove that they have what it takes to be taken seriously in the conference, and Saturday could help. Minnesota has not really looked spectacular against anyone, and lost to a Cal team that got blasted by an average Oregon squad. Eric Decker keeps putting up the numbers though (499 receiving and 4 TD), and if he continues that the Badgers better watch out. Wisconsin themselves are a tough team to figure out. The looked very mediocre in the opening weeks against Northern Illinois and Fresno State, but landed a solid victory last week against Michigan State (38-30). I could very easily see Wisconsin going 6-2 or 5-3 the rest of the way, but to prove they can hang with OSU and Iowa, John Clay and company have to show they are a contender on Saturday. We Want the Lion's Ohio State Preview 08/27/2009
Drew Thurman (5:05 pm) About a month back we interviewed the guys from WeWantTheLion.net about some of things going on over in Happy Valley. So they decided to return the favor as they previewed what Ohio State will look like this season. So head over to check out what I had to say, and also the predictions they give our Buckeye squad! Link: http://wewantthelion.net/2009-articles/august-2009/2009-big11ten-preview-ohio-state.html  Both of us here at The Silver Bullet have been amazed and fascinated with Penn State's 2010 recruiting class. So we sought out some help putting the pieces together with what is going on over in Happy Valley. So enjoy our interview with Will and Greg of WeWantTheLion.net! |   SubscribeBuckeye LinksAlong the Olentangy CategoriesAll ArchivesFebruary 2012 
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