Chicago Sports Then and Now

Power Rankings for Week #8(1) Iowa - Iowa vs. Michigan State - what a game coming down to the wire! Iowa played on the road at East Lansing and escaped with a win 15-13 on the last play of the game with 2 seconds left on the clock.

(1) Iowa - The field was a long, slow, painful defensive juggernaut for both offenses.  Fought like a game of chicken – it was a well-coached contest.  There were any number of ways to win it but only one way to lose.  Iowa took the win on an inside slant left open to them by the Spartan defense.

Evan Royster and the Penn State Nittany Lions were dominant in their opening victory.

1. Penn State - They established their game early and took the Akron Zips out of contention, winning 31-7.  Their defense sparkled.  Their quarterback Daryll Clark was firing on all cylinders.  But their offensive line may need some retooling.  They had a relative test and passed it with flying colors.

2. Ohio State - Nobody that matters is impressed by the Ohio State victory over Navy, 31-27.  The Buckeyes could have easily lost the contest against the midshipmen.  Their overall  play was mediocre at best.  Gone are the days when a win is a win.  Now it must be a convincing win – if you are going to hang onto your rankings in the polls the following day.  All will be forgiven if Ohio State wins next weekend inside the horseshoe…against USC.

3. Michigan State - Granted their competition wasn’t great but the Spartans moved the ball well.  QBs Cousins and Nichol combined to complete five touchdown passes.  Montana State found themselves losers 44-3.  Next week the Spartans play Central Michigan.  We really will not know much about this team until they face Notre Dame, will we?
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