WHAT TO MAKE OF THE BIG T(ELEV)EN?

Can there be any doubt that the Big Televen is underwhelming thus far in 2008?

Let's start with Michigan... After losing a close game to Utah last week, Big Blue struggled to beat the MAC's Miami of Ohio 16-6. This is the same Miami team that Vanderbilt smoked 34-13 last week on the Redhawks own field.

The Ohio State University struggled to put away a pesky The Ohio University 26-14, needing a late punt return for a TD to ice the game after trailing 14-12 in the fourth quarter. Another MAC school. Sure tOSU was without Beanie Wells, but shouldn't they have more than one running back who can compete against a middle of the pack MAC team? tOSU is in for an embarrassment next weekend at USC.

The funny thing is, neither Miami or Ohio had a winning record last season. But, you know who did win the MAC the past two years? Central Michigan, who Georgia throttled 56-17 today.

Maybe Penn State and Wisconsin are the class of that conference this season. Illinois has a lot of offense with Juice Williams, but zero defense - which is odd for a Zook team.