Your Big Ten Legends Leader is…Iowa?

October 13, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman James Ferentz (53) and wide receiver Jacob Hillyer (17) celebrate after beating the Michigan State Spartans in overtime at Spartan Stadium. Iowa won 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

Remember when Kirk Ferentz’s contract was the worst in college football, and Iowa’s 2012 season was dead in the water? With today’s oh-so Big Ten, double overtime defeat of Michigan State, the Hawkeyes are 2-0 in conference play and atop the Legends Division.

The Hawkeyes have regrouped well since losing a 32-31 decision to Central Michigan that made Iowa fans apoplectic, holding their last two opponents (both in-conference) to 29 points. Now, Minnesota and Michigan State have hardly wowed. But hey, has anyone with bowl eligibility from of the Big Ten?

The emergence of Mark Weisman has buoyed the Hawkeye offense. He tacked 116 yards today and scored the overtime-forcing touchdown at the close of regulation. While it took Iowa nearly 60 minutes to cross the goal line, suggesting the offense isn’t quite back despite consecutive weeks of 31 points, the MSU defense is regarded as one college football’s best. And indeed, Sparty’s 4-3 (1-2 Big Ten) record is not the fault of a defense that has allowed more than 20 points just once.

Michigan State’s struggles are indicative of the Big Ten as a whole: even teams with a strength have a glaring flaw that keeps them from being elite. The coach who can fine tune enough of his team’s weaknesses as the season progresses will be the one spending New Year’s in Pasadena? Why not Iowa?

The Hawkeyes avoid Ohio State in interdivisional play, as well as Wisconsin. UW made a statement with its rout of Purdue today, powered by Montee Ball’s very Heisman-worthy 247 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Bret Bielema is making those adjustments with his team, evident in coaching staff changes and Joel Stave now running the offense.

Iowa still has a long way to go if it’s to reach Indianapolis. James Vanderberg still threw 36 times today and barely completed 50 percent of his attempts. He doesn’t look comfortable as a passing quarterback. Yet, the running game lacks any depth whatsoever beyond Weisman. Defenses are afforded the luxury of packing the box and wearing Weisman down. It’s a paradox for offensive coordinator Greg Davis.

Relying on stingy defensive efforts like today will give Davis a little more breathing while shaping this running back-poor unit’s identity. After allowing Le’Veon Bell a touchdown early, Sparty was held out of the end zone for the remainder of the game. MSU has had offensive problems, but that’s just the Big Ten this year. Capitalize where you can, when you can. Make some adjustments. That just might be enough to go to the Rose Bowl.