Blue Ox Bowl Preview

Blue Ox Bowl III



Minnesota Fighting Farmers at Bucky’s Goodgers

These two teams battled for supremacy in the Big Ten Fantasy Football League all year long and the regular season did not determine much. The Goodgers won the Regular season title but the two teams were tied at 8-5. The Goodgers won the tiebreaker of points scored by just 21 points. The Farmers won the season series – 2 games to 1. But those victories came with Brian Calhoun – the highest scoring player in the BTFFL this season. The Farmers are going to have to find a way to win without him. The Farmers cut their entire team to get him and he led them to the Blue Ox Bowl but he can’t help them now.

For the Goodgers, they try and hold the Ox for another season.

Breaking down the Big Game:

The Fighting Farmers:

Chad Henne vs. Ohio State. Henne is the definition of Sophomore Slump – or is it the absence of Edwards Decline? Nevertheless, Henne has not been very good and Ohio State will crush him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t finish the game, he’s going to get hit so much. Prediction: 170 yards passing, 1 passing TD – 11 fantasy points.

Blake Powers vs. Purdue. Powers started strong but has come down to earth in the second half of the Big Ten season. Purdue’s defense is precisely the opposite. Things are moving in the wrong direction for the Farmers. Prediction: 180 yards passing, 40 yards rushing, 1 TD – 17 fantasy points.

Gary Russell vs Iowa. Russell has been spectacular this season. A touchdown machine, Little Earl certainly can put up the fantasy points. He hit his head real hard last week, though, and the status of Lawence Maroney could impact his playing time. Nobody can stop the Gophers running game and Russell will carry his weight for the Farmers. Prediction: 120 yards, 3 TD – 30 fantasy points.

Pierre Thomas vs Northwestern. Thomas has had a decent season but he won’t do much this Saturday. Northwestern will take the lead 7-0 on its first possession and it won’t give that up the rest of the game. Thomas won’t get 10 carries. Prediction: 30 yards rushing, 40 yards receiving – 7 fantasy points.

Santoio Holmes vs. Michigan. Holmes could be huge against Michigan. He is a talented WR who may be headed to the NFL. But the emergence of the running game at OSU will limit his production a bit. Prediction: 100 yards receiving, 1 TD – 16 fantasy points.

Jason Avant vs. Ohio State. Avant will be frustrated by the end of the day as Henne will deliver passes above his head and at his feet all day long. Prediction: 70 yards receiving – 7 fantasy points.

Steve Breaston vs. Ohio State. He started out on the Goodgers roster this season. He was the first keeper dropped after an injury dampened start. He has, once again, tantalized the Michigan and Farmer faithful with his recent play. But Ohio State won't let him do too much. Prediction: 50 yards receiving, 30 yards rushing, 1 TD – 14 fantasy points.

Kyle Schlicter vs Minnesota. 7 fantasy points.

The Goodgers:

Brett Basanez vs Illinois. If you’ve read this far, you know that I think Basanez is headed for a big, big day. Basanez’s week 7 fantasy output of 42 points is the highest weekly score for a QB this season. He might do better than that this week as he finishes up his Northwestern career against doormat and intrastate rival Illinois. Prediction: 400 yards passing, 20 yards rushing, 4 passingTD – 34 fantasy points.

Michael Robinson vs. Michigan State. Will he be pulled early? That seems like the only thing that could prevent Mrob from having a very good fantasy outing versus a defenseless Michigan State team. I said this in another thread, I think PS will try and impress poll voters and they will not let off the gas peddle in this game. Prediction: 220 yards passing, 60 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD, 2 passing TD – 29 fantasy points.

Albert Young vs. Minnesota. Young has gotten more impressive as the season has gone on. If Iowa is going to win on Saturday, it will be on Young’s back (or feet). But I Don’t think Iowa is going to win on Saturday. A good day for Young but not great. Prediction: 80 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving, 1 TD – 17 fantasy points.

Lawrence Maroney vs. Iowa. Putting up a zero in the Blue Ox Bowl could be devastating but this is what Maroney was acquired at the trade deadline so he’ll be in the line up. Mike Hart vs. OSU, no. Chris Taylor vs. Purdue – tempting but no. So LoMo must be on the go and I think he will. Prediction: 150 yards, 1 TD – 22 points.

Dorien Bryant vs. Indiana. Bryant isn’t Curtis Painter’s security blanket the way he was for Kirsch but he still gets his share of looks. Purdue will play well and will want to win big. Prediction: 110 yards receiving – 11 fantasy points.

Deon Butler vs. Michigan State. Someone will have a big day for the Nittany Lions I just don’t think it will be Butler. I hope I’m wrong but … Prediction: 50 yards receiving – 5 fantasy points.

Ed Hinkel vs. Minnesota. Hinkel is back, Tate throws him the ball. Will he get in the end zone? Probably not. Prediction: 60 yards receiving – 6 points.

Josh Huston vs. Michigan. 8 fantasy points.

Predicted Final Score

Expect a Threepeat!

Farmers 109
Goodgers 132

The Candy Everyone Wants!