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MMQB - Which Game Are You Most Looking Forward To?

There’s only one right answer

Indiana’s Michael Penix Extends the football to hit a two point conversion against Penn State. Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

We’re down to just the last few weeks of the off-season, and I’m starting to dissect the possible ebbs and flows of the upcoming season. There are plenty of games to get excited about, but I always seem to single out one or two games each year that just get me a bit more hype than the others.

MMQB asks - which game are you most looking forward to this season?

There are a few choices:

  • Wisconsin - First game of the season, fans in attendance, against perhaps the top team in the West, a chance to make a statement
  • Auburn - A chance to show them southern schools just how we play football up here in the frigid north
  • Ohio State - Duh
  • Michigan - Duh

But really, to me, there’s one game that I have circled as not just a must-win, but “must win so hard that the opposing team considers hanging up their cleats, reevaluating all of their life choices, and weighs disappearing into the Himalayas to become Tibetan monks, seeking nirvana for the rest of their days.”

Indiana.

Let’s start with the fact that due to COVID-19, the Lions didn’t get a real chance to install their new offense under Kirk Ciarrocca last year.

Let’s add in the fact that the way the B1G handled itself last year, the Lions had to first believe their season was fully canceled, before restarting, and having to head on the road to Bloomington to start their season.

Then let’s add in the fact that the Lions dominated Indiana statistically. 488 yards vs 211. 27 first downs vs 16. 40:25 time of possession vs 19:35.

Next, let’s add in that the Lions had utterly shut down Michael Penix all game, until they were up 28-20 with 1:42 left in the game, and with the Hoosiers needing to drive 75 yards for a touchdown and a two point conversion to tie it up.

Then, let’s mention that Penix basically couldn’t miss on the last drive, completing five passes for a combined 54 yards, plus adding in a fairly egregious facemask penalty, ultimately leading to a tie game and overtime.

And lastly, lest we forget, let’s mention that MICHAEL PENIX WAS DOWN PRIOR TO HITTING THE PYLON, MEANING IT WAS GEOMETRICALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE FOOTBALL TO BREAK THE PLANE.

Oh, yeah, and after that stumbling block, the Lions proceeded to lose their next four games to (Olde Wooden) Boot(e).

So, yeah, the answer is Indiana. I want Penn State to win all of the games, sure. But Indiana?

Man, I want Indiana to be obliterated. Destroyed. Nuked from orbit. Vaporized at the atomic level. I want a new Merriam Webster definition added after the Lions get done with them.

But what say you? Which game do you have circled this upcoming season?