Ah, the conclusion of Week 1. That’s when fans get the overreactioniest. And yes, I did just make up a word in an attempt to define the lunacy we see from some folks when the dust settles after *checks notes* one game.
There were plenty of moments that made us celebrate, cringe, laugh, cry and everything in between in the Big Ten to start the season. Let’s dive right in.
The Big Ten on CBS theme … So. Damn. Beautiful.
Let’s kick this thing off with the most important observation from the weekend … the Big Ten on CBS theme. It’s perhaps the best part absolutely the best part about the conference inking media deals with approximately 37 different networks.
If you want to stick around and just click replay over and over and over … and over again, we won’t mind. The music, combined with CBS’s drone shot to start the Ohio State-Indiana game? Awesome.
Look, I understand that this theme has been around for years. We’re all well aware that it was previously the music for the SEC on CBS. But that doesn’t make it any less magical. I can’t wait to consume 13 more weeks of this.
Illinois fan goes a “hair” overboard
Far be it from me to judge fandom. People express their passion in different ways — whether that be subtle or over-the-top. I’ll go ahead and label this Illinois fan as going a “hair” overboard. (Do you see what I did there?)
But, I do have to give the guy credit, he didn’t half-heart the effort. He went all-in on the chest “Block I” design for the Illini’s season opener on Saturday. Talk about dedication:
Do you think by the end of the season we’ll have a full “I-L-L,” “I-N-I” chant shaved into the chests of six passionate Illinois fans? One can hope, right?
I’m not going to say this enthusiasm is what pushed Illinois over Toledo to start the year 1-0 … but it is interesting that the Illini defeated the Rockets … by a hair. (OK, I’ll stop now).
Forget the Santa tracker, we’ve got a Brian Ferentz points tracker!
In case you haven’t followed closely, Iowa worked in a “points per game” clause into the contract of offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz during the offseason. The Hawkeyes need to average a mind-boggling 25 points per game in order for the OC to feel safe about his job moving forward.
Let’s be honest, that’s the most ridiculous thing in the history of contracts ever. BUT, what that addendum gave us was perhaps the greatest tracker I’ve ever seen … the “Climb to 325.”
Tip of the cap to Sickos Committee for this genius move, combining some of my favorite things, Big Ten football and the Price is Right‘s Cliffhanger Game:
Surely, Iowa hit AT LEAST 25 points against a Utah State team that ranked 105th in points allowed and 82nd in total defense last year, right? Wrong. Despite scoring touchdowns on each of their first two drives — and actually looking really solid offensively in that span — the Hawkeyes managed to score just 24 in the win.
Not a great start, Brian. We’ll continue to check in with this “Climb to 325,” because, if nothing else, it gives us a laugh. C’mon Hawkeye fans, even you have to admit this is pretty damn good.
A message to Purdue and Nebraska fans … R-E-L-A-X
Nobody overreacts more than a college football fanbase with a new head coach who loses his first game. Congratulations, Purdue and Nebraska, you lived up to the hype!
Allow me to preface this by saying that not every single fan called for the heads of Ryan Walters and Matt Rhule after losses to Fresno State and Minnesota, respectively. A good majority of you are pretty level-headed. But the ones who are not are just SO. LOUD.
I understand Nebraska’s frustrations with losing another one-score game. But Thursday’s result in a 13-10 loss to the Gophers was not a carryover from the Scott Frost era. I KNOW IT LOOKED SIMILAR. But you have to separate the two. Take a deep breath, it’ll be just fine.
As for you, Purdue, how about not losing your mind after one game? It was Walters’ first time running the show. There are going to be some bumps in the road. Give the guy a chance, even if some poor decisions were made.
You only need one “W” to spell Northwestern
I don’t think anyone expected Northwestern to have a good season after the offseason turmoil. Let’s face it, this year had “disaster” written all over it. But dear lord, sweet baby Jesus … I don’t believe anyone thought it would look this bad.
Sunday’s performance against Rutgers reminded me of that scene from Little Giants when the underdog was just happy to gain one yard, and then proceeded to celebrate.
Learn to enjoy the little things, Northwestern fans. It’s going to be a long season in Evanston. Thank goodness Howard is on the schedule, otherwise the Wildcats might be staring 0-12 in the face. And, quite honestly, they might, anyway.
Michigan, you are so courageous
Shoutout to Michigan’s offense for being the most dramatic unit in football this week. We should all salute your bravery. How, oh how, did the Wolverines manage to get past the Fighting Pirates of East Carolina without their captain?
In case you missed it — which, unless you subscribe to Peacock, you did — Michigan lined up in a “Power Train” formation to start Saturday’s game against ECU, holding up four fingers before the first snap. That was a salute to head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is serving a SELF-IMPOSED three-game suspension.
Look, I understand wanting to support your head coach. Truly. But does this not seem like a bit much? Harbaugh will be back from sewing Halloween costumes after just three games.
The best promotion for Yellowstone maybe ever?
How about this gem to close out Week 1 in the Big Ten? A moustache worthy of the name — and yes, for what you’re about to see, that is the proper spelling.
Sunday’s game between Northwestern and Rutgers turned out to be a clunker. The best part was probably CBS’s promo of the hit show Yellowstone, with the cameras locating the perfect Rutgers staffer to help put some authenticity behind the advertisement.
Absolutely love this man’s dedication to the look. He doesn’t even care that there’s a live football game unfolding before his eyes, he has to maintain that classic Western look.
Honestly, we need more staffers in the Big Ten to sport these old-fashioned moustaches. It would give us something to discuss in future Northwestern-Rutgers-esque games.
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