The Ro?Tel Ratings -- Only way to silence critics is with crystal footballs

A lot of Big Ten whining today along the lines of "If the Big Ten put up a score like LSU-Bama, the Big Ten would get boiled."

It would, in certain circles, most likely national circles, of the Colin Cowherd ilk. But you know what? Who cares?

Don't let that ruin the beauty that is around you. And if you can't find beauty in Northwestern-Nebraska, Michigan-Iowa, then, hey Colin, thanks for reading the blog (I actually enjoy Cowherd, he's funny, glib and can hold a thought, but he is noted for his Big Ten skepticism.)

I'm not here to sell Big Ten football. It has a network to do that. To me, it's the perfect football. Defense and special teams matter, really matter. You usually can't get by with a scheme or one player. Usually, there are always outliers (Northwestern 2000 offense).

I absolutely loved the LSU-Bama game. I loved the physical nature, the speed and the life-squeezing dominance of both defenses. I love that every time you saw a head-snapping hit on the sideline there was no flag. Loved it.

There's beauty in that as much as there's beauty in Case Keenum's nine TD passes or Oklahoma State's near complete lack of a defense.

The SEC is going to win the battle of perception. It has a den full of crystal footballs. The only way the Big Ten will shut up the critics is with a string of crystal footballs. Getting there isn't going to do it anymore. The Big Ten needs to close the deal.

Until then, if you don't like what they're saying about your conference, turn off the radio or whatever. Look at what's around you. The division races have added a layer of championship fervor. It's really getting good.

1. Wisconsin (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten)

The Badgers have reached the "beer frame" portion of the season. Everyone gets a strike or everyone drinks.

Last week: No. 6

Next: at Minnesota

2.  Michigan State (7-2, 4-1)

MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins promises to make it personal in Iowa City on Saturday. That can't get stapled on a bulletin board fast enough.

Last week: No. 4

Next: at Iowa (11 a.m. ESPN2)

3. Penn State (8-1, 5-0)

Disgusting.

Last week: No. 2

Next: vs. Nebraska

4. Nebraska (7-2, 3-2)

Mulder and Scully on the scene (that's an "X Files" reference for those of you who had girlfriends in the '90s) in Lincoln to look into the paranormal activity last weekend. Only reasonable explanation.

Last week: No. 1

Next: at Penn State

5. Ohio State (6-3, 3-2)

Luke Fickell's resume is getting closer to the top of the stack in Columbus.

Last week: No. 3

Next: at Purdue

6. Iowa (6-3, 3-2)

Football is funny. Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown, football amuses you? Football makes you laugh. Football is here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How is football funny?

Last week: No. 9

Next: vs. Michigan State (11 a.m. ESPN2)

7. Michigan (7-2, 3-2)

I have to credit this to someone on Twitter, but yeah, Denard is kind of playing 500 when he drops back to pass.

Last week: No. 5

Next: at Illinois

8. Northwestern (4-5, 2-4)

Been joking about the Wildcats' bowl chances in this space for the last couple of weeks. Is this thing on . . . my bad!

Last week: No. 10

Next: vs. Rice

9. Illinois (6-3, 2-3)

Remember when Illinois was 6-0? Neither does Illinois.

Last week: No. 8

Next: vs. Michigan

10. Purdue (4-5, 2-3)

From the frying pan (Wisconsin) into the fire (Ohio State). Now I want an In and Out burger.

Last week: No. 7

Next: vs. Ohio State

11. Minnesota (2-7, 1-4)

Minnesota is playing like a team that is tired of being toe lint.

Last week: No. 11

Next: vs. Wisconsin

12. Indiana (1-9, 0-6)

Tre Roberson is going to be fun. The present? Not so much.

Last week: No. 12

Next: Bye week reflection