Jun. 12—***
The people in charge of sports sites must have looked into my soul — or browsing history — and realized I am a sucker for a ranking or a list.
If they post it, there is a good chance I will take a look. Often multiple times.
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So when saw a headline on that mentioned future power rankings, I was immediately hooked.
At home, my wife and children will tell you I am an impulse buyer with very little patience or contemplation. Could be why I have some items at the house that cause me to say “Why did I buy this?” Again, I have issues.
Same thing when web surfing. See the list. Read the list no matter how long it is.
Especially if I know the author,. When I saw Adam Rittenberg’s name at the top, I knew what was to follow would be well-researched and easy to read.
I was right on both counts.
Rittenberg ranks all 68 Power Four teams for the next two seasons.
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To the main point: Bret Bielema’s Illinois football team is ranked No. 17, which is good for fifth in the Big Ten. Nice company.
Bielema’s team is listed ahead of his alma mater Iowa and his two other head coaching stops: Wisconsin and Arkansas.
Rittenberg ranks the teams on a combination of factors involving quarterback retention, star power, line potential, roster management and coaching.
Of the staff, Rittenberg writes: “Bielema is the coach Illinois has been waiting for. He understands how to win in the Big Ten and can adjust to current roster challenges.”
The only league teams ranked ahead of Illinois are No. 2 Ohio State, 4 Oregon, 6. Penn State and 13. Michigan.
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Important to point out, this isn’t a prediction of upcoming two years of success. More an indication that for Illinois the needle is pointing up.
Here’s how the rest of the Big Ten was ranked:
20. Indiana, 23. Iowa, 26. Southern California, 33. Washington, 36. Nebraska, 40. Minnesota, 43. Rutgers, 49. UCLA, 51. Michigan State, 54. Wisconsin, 58. Northwestern, 60. Maryland and 67 Purdue.