If schools like Toledo, Ohio U., NIU, and Akron can field very competitive teams, I don't see any reason why Purdue can't even do them one better -- and keep in mind Akron came very close to upsetting UM in Ann Arbor.

As far as the Big Ten only Ohio State seems to me to have really separated from the pack. MSU was good last year but played very conservatively against ND and it cost them. Michigan is 2-6 over its last 8 games and is very likely to start 2014 at 1-1 -- ND is fielding its decidedly best offense in many years. This conference is mediocre overall.

Purdue over the next few seasons should be able to rise to upper Big 10 in competitiveness -- this is a big state school we're talking about whose coach has a successful track record.

Braxton Miller injured his shoulder (again) in practice tonight. Supposedly he is already out for the season opener and his entire season is in jeopardy.

Ouch, babe.

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NIU has announced more home/home series recently:

Boston College
Tulsa
Vanderbilt

and one more coming tomorrow (probably USF, but Texas/ND just cancelled their series, so maybe one of them is desperate and will play at Soldier Field?)

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